The Ofri Center's program includes a variety of subjects targeted to educational staff, directors,
supervisors and decision-making people in the field of education. The Center's focus is on three
fields deemed essential to economic development and society building:
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; 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 rates 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 local Israeli experts. In addition, the Ofri
Center provides single-country tailor-made courses and seminars in cooperation with governmental
and non-governmental organizations from different countries.
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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