"Ofarim" - School for Autistic Children

Dear Donors,

In recent months, Ofarim Special Education School, which serves children on the autism spectrum ages 6–12, has continued to be a place of learning, growth, and belonging for our students. Alongside the daily routine of school life, we continue to deepen and expand learning across a variety of subjects reading and writing, mathematics, arts, music, and physical education while carefully adapting the learning process to the individual needs and abilities of each student. Our dedicated staff works with great care and commitment to create a meaningful learning environment that combines hands on experiences, creativity, and the small daily successes that lead to significant progress over time.

Our school is also a place where many cultures come together. Both our staff and our students come from diverse backgrounds, and this rich human mosaic adds depth and warmth to everyday life at the school. This year we celebrated the Holiday of Holidays together a celebration of tolerance, respect, and learning about the different traditions that make up our community. Through shared activities, songs, food, and creative workshops, students and staff experienced meaningful moments of connection that reminded us all of the strength that comes from understanding and accepting one another.

Throughout the year, our students continued to participate in many trips and outdoor activities across the country. These outings to nature, parks, and open spaces allow the children to learn through experience exploring their surroundings, building independence, and gaining confidence outside the classroom. Our principal, Nahum Bloch, continues to organize inspiring collaborations with soldiers who volunteer their time with our students. Together they take part in outings to parks, the seaside, and other outdoor activities. These encounters create meaningful human connections and give our students a strong sense of support, belonging, and encouragement.

Activities within the school continue to grow as well. The bicycle yard has become a regular part of the students’ routine, where they practice riding, improve balance and coordination, and enjoy a sense of independence and accomplishment. Alongside these activities, we celebrated the holidays of Tu BiShvat and Purim with tree planting, creative workshops, costumes, music, and games that brought joy, color, and laughter into the school community.

During these challenging times, when the situation in our country is not always simple, it is especially important for us to remain closely connected with our students and their families. Our staff continues to stay in touch with the children and their parents, offering support, listening, and encouragement while we all look forward to returning to a full and stable routine, to the daily meetings, learning, and shared experiences in our classrooms and schoolyard.

We would like to express our deepest gratitude to you, our generous donors, for your ongoing support and belief in our work. Thanks to you, we are able to continue creating a rich, safe, and nurturing educational environment for our students. Your support allows us to keep dreaming, building, and providing our children with the experiences and opportunities they need to grow, develop, and believe in themselves. Thank you for being an essential part of our journey.