Matspen-Tech, a program to integrate youth into employment.

Matspen-Tech – a new program for which AJEEC has partnered with the Ministry of Labor, in cooperation with the Tamar Association, Mona – Space for Change and local communities, was established with the aim to provide tools, training and occupational guidance to those young people who are unemployed, to allow for their integration into the workforce. 

The reasons for the large volume of young people from Arab society who are not studying or employed are diverse – tending to be related to low Hebrew language proficiency, a lack of a sense of long-term objectives, a sense of alienation, a lack of money to finance studies, vast geographic distance from academic and employment opportunities in the absence of sufficient transportation infrastructure, a lack of occupational direction, and more.

Within the Matspen-Tech program, participants will develop personal and occupational skills, and acquire professional skills required for the job market. As a result, their sense of self-sufficiency will grow and strengthen, as well as their degree of involvement in the community.

The program will operate in the following localities: Rahat, Be’er Sheva, Kuseife, and Kfar Kassem, with expansions to be made to additional localities throughout over the next year). The program will operate five days a week for eight hours a day over the course of the year throughout which participants will receive a monthly stipend. 

The program will operate in two, separate tracks: 

1. A track for young men and women who have completed twelve years of schooling. This track will include technological professional training, Hebrew and English language tutoring, and mathematical studies. Moreover, the track will facilitate contributions to the community on the part of the participants and their participation in various constructive tours and seminars. Our beneficiaries will receive counseling focused on identity, leadership, belonging, and employment support. 
2. A track for young men and women who have not completed twelve years of schooling and/or who have dropped out of secondary education. This track will include technological vocational training, Hebrew language studies, and counseling focused on identity, leadership, belonging, social entrepreneurship and occupational and emotional support. Contributions to the community on the part of the participants will also be facilitated, along with various constructive tours and seminars.