Why is Women’s month so essential?
It is because history consists of important events that have made the world a better place with strong women at the forefront. We have just passed Women’s month where women and all their accomplishments were celebrated. Our Women’s International Zionist Organisation (WIZO) promotes an equal society for all and is supported by a global network of Zionist women who do just this. We, at WIZO, celebrate women and the essential roles that women play especially in leading education and social services for the betterment of our Israel.
WIZO has many wonderful success stories emanating from troubled situations and as always, steps up to help those who cannot help themselves. One such example is the story of Adam who, as a young teenager, was exposed to his parents arguing every day. Often these arguments would lead to domestic violence and Adam would hide away waiting for the violence to subside. Adam was hugely shaken by this trauma which affected all areas of his life, including his schooling. He struggled academically and could not concentrate at school. His homework had become too difficult to complete and there were days when he simply did not go to school as he was unable to face his classmates and teachers. He felt as if he was in a deep hole, unable to see the light.
Adam is what is known as an ‘invisible child’ – a silent sufferer who has witnessed domestic violence. Sadly, there are approximately 60,000 invisible children like Adam in Israel. In cases like these, World WIZO assists in rehabilitating these children so that they do not fall between the cracks. Without intervention their chances of becoming well-adjusted, productive members of society are near zero and they would be at risk of perpetuating the cycle of neglect and abuse just like their parents.
An example of how WIZO assists the invisible children like Adam is the ongoing WIZO “Sponsor a Child” campaign that raises much-needed funds to support all these children in Israel. This is why we, as WIZO South Africa, continue doing our vital work so that this essential work in Israel can continue.
WIZO has the goal of empowering parents to better care for their children and themselves, thus preventing the removal of their children who may have otherwise been placed in foster homes. Should this happen however, they will be provided with all the protection and care that they need. In these foster homes the children have ‘house parents’ who are dedicated to looking after them. Children like Adam undergo rehabilitation programmes with counselling that addresses their own physical and emotional trauma so that they can ultimately flourish.
We, at WIZO, remain dedicated – dor l’dor – from generation to generation – to provide excellent childcare and the best education for children like Adam who are at risk. WIZO continues to close the educational gap between disadvantaged children and those from stable homes and in this way, these children are assured of equal opportunities which ultimately creates responsible adults.
WIZO South Africa, a Federation of World WIZO, continues to support our ongoing projects in Israel such as our NEVE WIZO Houses of Safety and day care centres. The end result is that these projects uplift the people of Israel by giving them the support that they need so that they can become productive and principled citizens.
We, at WIZO, sincerely hope that the above has given you an insight into some of our projects and that you will feel empowered to do more, to give more and support more of our WIZO fundraising events so that children like Adam will have a brighter and more fulfilled future.
On behalf of WIZO South Africa, thank you for your ongoing support and we wish you and your loved ones Shana Tova U’metukah and an easy and meaningful fast.
Website: WIZO South Africa
• Published in the September 2023 issue – Click here to start reading.
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