Shalom Clubs

Shalom Club Latvia has recently launched a new Internet site containing general information about the club and upcoming events. Users can also get information regarding future MASHAV training courses: http://home.parks.lv/shalomclub

The Shalom Alumni Club (SAC), together with the Consulate General of Israel, organized an Inter School Talent Competition (Indradhanush) on September 26, 1999, at Bharda High School, Fort Mumbai (Bombay). More than 300 students aged 8-14 from 22 schools all over Mumbai took part in the competition. Indradhanush included competitions in Essay Writing, Paint a Card, Elocution, Dancing, Quiz and Fancy Dress. The function was attended by Mr. Dov Segev Steinberg, Consul General of Israel in Mumbai, Mrs. Ruth Zakh, Vice Consul of Israel, Mr. Kunte, Founder President of SAC, Mr. Mohan Yedhurkar, President of SAC, members of SAC, teachers, principals and parents. Prizes and certificates were awarded to all winners.

During Child's Month a small delegation of Shalom Club members, Norma Schwapp, Naomi White, George Fyffe and Debbie Ramdon, MASHAV coordinator in Jamaica, paid a visit to the Musgrave Girls Home, to bring refreshments and gifts and to spend time with the girls. The administrator of the Home, Mrs. Davidson, introduced the girls, about 40 in number, and the delegation treated the girls to tasty snacks. While the girls ate the assorted goodies, Ms Ramdon played video cassettes on technological education and agri-technology in Israel, which they found interesting. Gifts were distributed and then came the highlight of the visit: the talented girls sang, danced and recited poetry for the guests, who expressed their admiration of the girls, who though they come from difficult backgrounds have been able to rise above challenging circumstances and maintain their optimism.

Visits to the Musgrave Home is an ongoing activity for Shalom Club members.

In October 1999, a special conference was held for some 45 MASHAV graduates at the monthly meeting of the Shalom Club Peru. A conference on Neuro-Linguistic Programming was offered within the framework of the Technical-Cultural Program of the Shalom Club Peru, presented by Analís Morón Miranda, a graduate of the course Education for Science and Technology, Aharon Ofri Training Center, Jerusalem, 1996. She is presently President of the Peruvian Center of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP).

NLP deals with the study of the factors that influence our ways of thinking, communicating and behaving, allowing us consistently to achieve the results we desire in our lives. This is a technique that provides information about how the brain works and how a change of attitude can be facilitated. We learn to identify the conscious and unconscious mental and behavioral patterns that prevent the achievement of desired changes. In this way, by modifying the instructions we give to our brain, we can achieve our goals. NLP provides tools and strategies to allow people to optimize the level of their influence, motivation, leadership, administration, abilities to negotiate and communicate and personal development.

In specific terms NLP will allow people to accelerate their learning capabilities, generate change and have control over their personal and professional goals. Its purpose is to optimize the individual's resources. When applied to education, these techniques of change enable teachers to develop strategies to help improve students achievements in all areas.

Uganda: The official opening of the Shalom Club in Uganda took place this past October, 1999, at Makerere University, with the participation of graduates from MASHAV training courses. Dr. Arseni Semana, elected President of the Shalom Club, is a graduate from a 1965 agricultural course and is presently in charge of Agricultural Training Studies at Makerere University. Ms. Meirav Eilon, Second Secretary at the Israeli Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya, attended.

Porto Alegre, Brazil: A new chapter of the Shalom Club was inaugurated this past November 1999, in Porto Alegre, capital of the State of Rio Grande Do Sul. The Club was named after Osvaldo Aranha, who was Chairman of the Special United Nations Assembly when it voted in favor of the independence of the State of Israel in 1948 and who came from the region. Some 30 graduates from MASHAV training courses participated in the event. Also present was Member of the State Parliament Mr. Jovanni Cherini, himself a MASHAV graduate, who helped organize the meeting and offered all necessary administrative assistance to the Shalom Club in its future activities.

Tarija, Bolivia: A new chapter of the Shalom Club in Bolivia was inaugurated in Tarija in October 1999. Participating in the event, among others, were the Israeli Ambassador in Bolivia, Isaac Lavie Bachman, the President and Vice-President of the National Shalom Club from La Paz, and the President of the Shalom Club in Oruro. Marcelo Moscoso was elected President of the Tarija chapter.

In April 1999, the Papua New Guinea - Israel Shalom Club was launched in Port Moresby. Left to right: Club President Peter Kivori, General Secretary George Maina, and club member Dr. Paul Mondia. The festive event was attended by MASHAV graduates and official guests.