The Aharon Ofri International Training Center was established in
1989, as a MASHAV extension, in cooperation with the Ministry of
Education. Since its inception, the Center has focused its activity
on educational fields that contribute to regional and human resource
development.
The Ofri Center's program includes a variety of subjects targeted to
diverse populations. The Center's focus is on three fields deemed
essential to economic development and society building:
- Science and Technology Education
- Community Education
- Educational Technology
Ofri's courses deal with a wide range of topics, including: science
and technology education; introduction of computers into the
educational system; use of the internet and e-learning; curriculum
development and study planning; the use of frontal and advanced
teaching tools; fitting teaching methods to study and didactic
materials; rural education; environmental education community
schooling; planning and managing community centers; and prevention of
drug abuse.
The Ofri Center's approach uses the Israeli experience as a case
study, sharing its achievements, problems and challenges. Due in part
to Israel's absorption of numerous waves of mass immigration since
its establishment, the educational framework in Israel is
characterized by the need for rapid organization and finding
appropriate solutions to present and shifting challenges. The main
challenges of the Israeli educational system today are: the closing
of achievement gaps; development of a suitable learning environment
in order to reduce youth violence; system function during tension and
high pressure situations; training of manpower for high technology
applications; and integration of large numbers of immigrants into the
society, both from a quantitative and a qualitative point of view.
Nevertheless, the rate of participation is very high in the Israeli
formal educational system at all levels and grades, and illiteracy
levels within the whole population are low. These are subjects for
study and analysis, and examples for many regions facing similar
problems.
The Center directs its activities towards both the formal and
informal educational frameworks, while focusing on target populations
such as field workers and senior decision makers. The Center
cooperates with educators, principals, local and regional educational
supervisors, heads of municipal and regional educational departments,
curriculum planners, senior administrators, lecturers and university
staff. These professionals are considered to be agents of change,
thus transferring the experience and knowledge acquired in Israel to
members of the educational community in their respective
countries.
The Ofri Center offers courses in English, Spanish and Russian as
well as providing for MASHAV on-the-spot courses in a variety of
subjects. The on-the-spot courses are organized under the auspices of
the host countries themselves, following contacts with the local
Israeli delegation. In addition, the Ofri Center provides
single-country tailor-made courses and seminars in cooperation with
governmental and non-governmental organizations from different
countries. The Ofri Center also serves as a bridge between partner
countries, educational organizations and Israeli experts in the
required fields.
Aharon Ofri International Study Centre - Jerusalem
Director: Tzipi Lavie
Mitzpe Rachel
D.N. Tzfon Yehuda 90900
E-mail: ofriaa@netmedia.net.il
Tel: 972-2-6702508; 972-2-6702539
Fax 972-2-6702538
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