BEN-GURION UNIVERSITY | THE WAY FORWARD

Prisma Negev, like all of the initiatives of the Negev Strategy Office, is fueled by collaborations; our donors are part of this, facilitating the office’s efforts with their support, and together we are creating a brighter future for the Negev. INITIATIVES TO ENHANCE EDUCATION AND CULTURE IN THE NEGEV As the Negev’s educational and cultural oasis and an institution mandated to serve as a catalyst for Negev development, BGU strives to enrich the lives of residents of all ages and backgrounds with a wide range of educational and cultural programs, some of which are highlighted below: Yazamut 360°‘s Negev Prime training program providing a direct and practical path to entrepreneurship and self-employment with high income potential was open to BGU students and Negev residents. The Community Action Department’s social theater program provides an opportunity for residents to share their voice and engage in an aspect of cultural life they are often excluded from; like all of the department’s programs, it also exposes participants to higher education, enabling populations typically left outside the gates of higher education to be strengthened and enriched by it.

Hundreds of Negev children and youth participate in Kidumatica annually, a program celebrating its 30th year which is aimed at promoting mathematical excellence and creative thinking among youth from the varied socio-economic and ethnic backgrounds in Israel’s southern periphery. The Writers’ House in Honor of Amos Oz – the literary and cultural center of BGU’s Heksherim Research Institute for Jewish and Israeli Literature and Culture – is a cultural gem in Beer-Sheva, engaging scholars, students, and the broad community in enriching and enlightening events. Our donors also understand the value of these opportunities and the power of education, and many have supported such programs. Below we highlight donor-supported programs that strengthen the local educational system and the students it serves. Two Programs to Boost the Ranks of Science Teachers in the Negev Israel’s education system is facing a critical shortage of qualified teachers, particularly in STEM. The crisis is especially acute in the Negev, where schools struggle to recruit and retain skilled educators, and students lose out. Exposure to inspiring STEM teachers plays a pivotal role in shaping young people’s aspirations, nurturing curiosity, and encouraging future generations of scientists, engineers,

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