The Mayor, Rabbi Yaakov Asher, is head of the committee in charge of implementing the program in Bnei Brak. Beneath the committee there are professional sub-committees divided into the children’s age groups. The committee is responsible for preparing and implementing a program that will launch a set of services designed especially for children and youth at risk.
"Shai Kindergarten" is a special kindergarten for children with various motor disabilities and good learning abilities. The kindergarten includes an educational team, as well as the following allied health professionals: Occupational therapists, speech therapists and a physical therapist. The kindergarten functions as any other regular kindergarten, with the addition of special rehabilitation activities combined with the regular activities of the day.
Until very recently, Bnei Brak's high schools for girls did not have any science and technology courses. Female students were only afforded the opportunity to study to become school and kindergarten teachers. Science and technology departments have begun to develop, but are still substandard.
Swimming lessons for children was once a part of the curriculum for elementary schools. Recognition of the vital need of knowing how to swim still exists, as it is a recommended physical activity for children, known for improving coordination capabilities. Swimming also helps discharge energy and is on one hand a relaxing activity, while on the other hand, an activity that helps gain self discipline. The public education system in the country stopped financing these lessons due to budget cuts and today the parents need to finance these lessons by themselves as an afterschool activity.
Most of Bnei Brak’s population comes from a low socio-economic background, and most parents cannot afford extracurricular activities that will help realize the learning potential and school readiness of their children, despite their great willingness and awareness of the subject.
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