sending...Sderot is a diverse city formed by disparate migrant communities. It was established in1953 as a transitional camp for migrants from Kurdistan and Iran, but permanent residents settled there as early as 1954. During the 1950s, Sderot absorbed migrants from Morocco and Romania. In the 1990s, immigrants came from Ethiopia and from the USSR. The neighborhood currently has a majority of migrants from the USSR and most of the residents work at factories in the area.
In the past decade Sderot has been a target of rocket attacks from Gaza, which have profoundly disrupted daily life of residents who continue to live in fear and uncertainty. Population in the city declined by 10%-15% as families left the city, while many who remain cannot afford to move out or are unable to sell their homes.
The Mahapach-Taghir Sderot Learning Community is located in the Kasdor neighborhood of Sderot. 17 volunteer Students, mostly from Sapir and Ashkelon Colleges, are active tutors and mentors for children between 1st and 6th grades. Their responsibilities include daily activity supervision, personal tutoring, and conducting group activities..
The Learning Community is active in the afternoon hoursa three times a week and includes social and educational activities for children and youth. Additionally, students, together with parents and children organize communal events and initiatives several times during the year, often in cooperation with other local organizations.
Recently, Mahapach-Taghir has been working in the JDC operated center in Kasdor, one of the few in the neighborhood offering youth activities.
For further information, or to volunteer in the Sderot Community, please contact the Sderot Community Coordinator, at 054-7608125 or sderot@mahapach-taghir.org