|
Goal
To promote science and technology education in the southern region.
|
|
Overview
Madarom was initiated in 1997 to help rectify the declining achievements of Israeli schoolchildren when measured against international standards, and to create a future adult workforce that could contend with the demands of Israel's technology-driven economy. (The name Madarom comes from the Hebrew mada for science, and darom for south.) The project was founded on partnership between the Foundation and the Ministry of Education, and was conceived as a five-year plan involving all schools in the southern region, from kindergarten to high school, religious and non-religious, Jewish and Arab.
The objective was to embed innovative, results-oriented approaches to science and technology education. The indisputable success of the first five years led to a continuation of the project, with the full support of the Education Ministry. Key programming elements include capital investments in computers and science labs, regional teacher training centers, informal activities and science summer camps, and a science park in Be'er Sheva. Madarom has proved to be a hothouse for the Foundation's programming, with some activities that piloted in Madarom developing into nationwide programs.
|
|
This year, Madarom is directly responsible for nearly 20 different educational programs, reaching some 12,000 children across the region.
Among the project's current emphases are:
Reinforcing basic math and science skills in over 280 elementary and junior-high schools across the region
Adding study hours in physics, math and English in nearly 30 schools as part of the "Access to Higher Education" component
Advancing biotechnology tracks by linking up schools with an applied research center in Ben-Gurion University
Promoting the construction of a Science Park to serve as the project's headquarters
|
|
Kindergartners learning
through computer games
|
|
Sacta-Rashi's Involvement
· Initiation, planning and development
· Operating costs
· Administration
|
|
Partners
Ministry of Education
Local Authorities
Jewish Agency for Israel
Israel Association of Community Centers
Israel Defence Forces
Intel
Microsoft
IBM
Cisco
Motorola
Ben-Gurion University of the Negev
Sapir Academic College
|
|
