
Where Everyone Belongs,
Everyone Matters

About Us
Founded in 2008, Or LaChinuch is an educational nonprofit dedicated to empowering children and teens in peripheral communities.
Operating in close partnership with school faculties and local municipalities, we build a trusted bridge between formal and informal education to support the next generation of local leaders.
80
Schools Reached
4000+
Alumni
750
Annual Participants
10800
Annual Mentoring Hours
The Multi-Tier Model
An educational and social program connecting youth and promoting excellence, values, and community impact.
Empowerment & Confidence
Personal and group mentoring, confidence building, and 7th-grade preparation
Leadership & Initiative
Meaningful personal connection, leadership skills, and social impact.
Management & Purpose
Professional training and support, hands-on management experience, meaningful scholarship.
Educational Journey
Held weekly during afternoon hours throughout the academic year (~30 sessions), the program hosts 6th graders directly inside local high school campuses.
Each two-hour gathering pairs individual one-on-one time with shared group activities, complemented by interactive workshops and off-campus events.
Throughout the year, participants build a deep sense of belonging and confidence, unlocking personal strengths and building toward active civic engagement.
We Lead
Training teen mentors in core values and practical leadership tools to build meaningful, personal bonds.
We Belong
Shaping personal and group identity through bonding, setting shared goals, and creating a safe space.
We Matter
Unlocking personal strengths, self-efficacy, and essential life tools to face challenges with confidence.
We Take Action
Leading participant-driven social projects that put acquired skills into action to create community change.

90%
of teen mentors report that volunteering increased their empathy and sensitivity toward others.
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82%
of parents report noticeable growth in their child's self-confidence, self-efficacy, and social connections.
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81%
of 6th graders share that their personal bond with their mentor and the annual journey served as a vital source of support.
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90%
of teen mentors cite their personal connection with the student fellow as one of their most meaningful experiences this year.
Impact & Evaluation
We utilize continuous measurement and evaluation to drive educational quality and organizational growth.
We track social-emotional progress year-round across three key milestones, from baseline recruitment and mid-year reviews to year-end qualitative and quantitative evaluations.
By cross-referencing data from participants, teen mentors, parents, and school faculties, we measure social belonging, emotional resilience, self-efficacy, and middle school readiness to ensure real-time adaptability and proven outcomes.
Our Reach & Partners
Operating across 21 branches nationwide, Or LaChinuch works in deep collaboration with local municipalities and school educators.
Our continued expansion is sustained through municipal co-funding, alongside generous support from philanthropic foundations, corporate partners, and private donors.
Together, we adapt our model across diverse communities, focusing on Northern Israel to rebuild emotional resilience, advance a shared society, and provide youth with a secure personal anchor in times of national challenge.
Our Story
Founded on the belief that a meaningful mentor can change a child's life, Or LaChinuch began in 2004 as a local youth initiative in Ashdod by founder Lior Lapid, inspired by words from his own teacher.
Formally established as a national non-profit in 2008, the organization has grown under dedicated executive leadership, a committed board, and driven student fellows.
Today, that vision lives on across Israel through our peer-mentorship model, empowering hundreds of youth each year to recognize their worth and shape their own futures.

"If you are good at one thing,
there is no reason you won't succeed at whatever you choose."
— Lior Lapid, Founder

Shahaf Ben Basat
Business Administration & Information Systems
Participating in the Ore LaChinuch scholarship was one of the most meaningful experiences of my studies. It wasn't just another volunteer program, but impactful work that genuinely shapes students and their futures. Beyond working directly with youth and seeing real change take place, the program sharpened my leadership skills, from partnering with senior figures to managing complex processes independently. The close mentoring and belief in us built my confidence and sense of capability. For me, it was a transformative experience that developed me both personally and professionally.
Peres Academic Center
Mekif Vav Branch, Be'er Sheva
Student Leader

Yamit Tzur
I see the children who attended consistently, the high school youth dedicated to community volunteering, and the university students leading the process with a support system that makes everything run smoothly. As a principal for 17 years, I am deeply moved. It all begins the moment someone embraces social responsibility and steps forward to give back. This participation will make the children's transition into middle school much easier, as they already feel confident and at home. The model is brilliant, the comprehensive support is professional, and my deepest gratitude goes to the incredible student team, for whom I see a very bright future. You have done an extraordinary job.
Principal, Makif Hei High School, Ashdod
Municipal & Educational Partner

Maayan, Mother of Shai, a Mentee
This year was full of difficult emotional challenges. Yet during this time, something stable, empowering, and truly meaningful emerged for us. The Or LaChinuch program was not just support for the children; it was a safe place, offering real listening and building their personal resilience. Seeing Shai come home from the sessions with a smile and a sense of capability is not something I take for granted. When a child has someone who believes in them and genuinely asks how they are doing, it makes all the difference. I am so deeply grateful to the wonderful team and mentors. You do not just guide the way, you touch the heart.
Tuvyahu Branch, Be'er Sheva
Parent
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Irena Timkin
The program is outstanding. When a child returns to class with a spark in their eye, knowing they are truly seen, heard, and valued, our mission is accomplished. You can clearly see how the program has built their self-confidence; they come back to the classroom empowered and excited to share their experiences.
Principal, Tzemach Elementary School, Ashdod
Municipal & Educational Partner
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Ayelet Shalom
The program provides an excellent solution. The pupils come to class looking forward to activity day. Even during complex times and through the war, we received clear, organized communication and continuous tracking of pupil attendance. We see a clear rise in self-confidence, self-esteem, and a sense of belonging and purpose among the participants.
Principal, Achdut Elementary School, Ashdod
Municipal & Educational Partner
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Shiri Tahan
Education
Serving as a branch manager at Or LaChinuch was one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. I had the privilege of guiding children and teens, watching each of them open up and gain confidence, seeing deep bonds form between the younger and older youth, and learning just how much a kind word at the right moment can uplift a child and help them uncover their inner strength. Staying in close contact with parents throughout the year showed me just how much the program meant to these kids, while coordinating with the school staff and running weekly activities helped me discover my own leadership potential. It was an incredible journey, and I am still in touch with several of the kids today. This scholarship is truly a gift!
Levinsky-Wingate Academic Center
Mekif Vav Branch, Ashdod
Student Leader
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Aviva, Mother of a Mentee
The mentor was always there to listen and support my daughter, helping her navigate different challenges and make new friends. I am so glad she took part in the program, and I warmly recommend it to others.
AMIT Branch, Kiryat Malakhi
Parent
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Rotem Krantsberg
Communications
Some places just stay with you forever, and for me, Or LaChinuch is one of them. It was never just about the scholarship; it was a family that believed in me, stood by me, and gave me the confidence to believe in myself.
Through the program, I was able to return to Arad, my hometown, and be there for local youth. Every single session was a chance to give back and show these kids that they can aim high and achieve anything. It felt like much more than volunteering—it was a true mission and a full-circle moment for me. Or LaChinuch gave me a home, and having that foundation allowed me to be the person for these kids that I needed so much when I was growing up.
Sapir College
Arad Branch
Student Leader
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Dalia Dahan
The program team is deeply professional and truly dedicated. Our partnership has been wonderful, and the program consistently gets the teens engaged in meaningful and exciting work.
Community Engagement Coordinator, Lehman High School, Dimona
Municipal & Educational Partner
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Livnat Zik
It is wonderful to see the impact of our joint efforts. I am proud of the shared commitment between our school principals and educators, working alongside the Or LaChinuch team, who bring so much passion and dedication to everything they do. You can really see the difference it makes in our schools.
Director of the Elementary Education Division, Ashdod
Municipal & Educational Partner
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Adisa Tessema Yaso
On behalf of the Kiryat Malakhi Municipality and the Youth Department, I want to express our deep appreciation for your meaningful work in our city. The rapid expansion of your branches reflects a genuine commitment to equal opportunity in education for every youth.
Establishing high quality educational programming so quickly, with such strong engagement from both teens and parents, is an impressive achievement. Ore LaChinuch provides a safe, supportive, and enriching environment, and we are proud to partner with you in this shared vision.
Director of the Youth Department, Kiryat Malakhi
Municipal & Educational Partner
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Hanan Abu Rukun
Or LaChinuch is a values-driven program that connects student fellows with youth through personal guidance, empowerment, and positive role modeling. It equips our youth with tools for success while inspiring students to give back to their community and lead social change. We highly recommend the program and deeply appreciate its meaningful contribution to our youth and the entire community.
Director of the Youth Department, Isfiya
Municipal & Educational Partner
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Yechiel Shitrit
Overseeing youth community involvement in our city for the past 15 years, I have had the privilege of partnering with Or LaChinuch from the very beginning, growing from a single center to six active branches across Be'er Sheva today. The way their teams, from the student mentors to executive leadership, maintain continuous and close collaboration with our school coordinators is an inspiring example. This close bond is precisely what allows us to nurture the personal growth of our youth and expand our reach across the city over time. It is an outstanding example of how formal and informal education should work together seamlessly.
Director of Municipal Volunteering, Be'er Sheva
Municipal & Educational Partner
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Chen Elharrar
Special Education
Participating in the scholarship was a deeply meaningful experience for me. Guiding such wonderful children and mentors through their journey and watching the kids open up, build friendships, and feel truly at home in Ore LaChinuch was incredibly rewarding.
Throughout the year, I also learned a great deal about myself. Navigating challenges taught me how to reach each child individually and showed me the lasting impact of patience and genuine listening. The program gave me essential tools and confidence that will stay with me as a future educator, and I finish this year with deep gratitude and fulfillment.
Kibbutzim College of Education
Mekif Vav Branch, Ashdod
Student Leader
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Mother of Alice, a Mentee
The team was so wonderful and cared so much about the kids. I am deeply grateful that my daughter had the opportunity to take part in this program; she had such a great time and learned important new skills. This program truly invests in every single child.
Mekif Vav Branch, Ashdod
Parent
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Mother of Ragheed, a Mentee
My son loved the program and couldn't wait for each session. The program built his confidence, offered him a supportive and accepting environment, and really helped him grow as a person.
Isfiya Branch
Parent
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Mother of Tahel, a Mentee
Tahel truly loved attending each week and rarely missed a session, and that meant so much to us. The program gave her an early introduction to middle school, eased the anxiety around transitioning from elementary school, and helped her build new friendships with children from other schools.
Mekif Tuvyahu Branch, Be'er Sheva
Parent
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Mother of Rafael, a Mentee
The student team was professional, caring, and always available throughout the year. Rafael truly enjoyed the activities and the warm environment. The program built his confidence, improved his social skills, and gave him a real sense of belonging within the group. He loved attending the sessions and connecting with his mentors, and our family is so grateful to the team for their dedication and guidance.
Mekif Hey Branch, Ashdod
Parent
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Mother of a Mentee
My daughter went through such a meaningful personal change. Her confidence grew so much; she blossomed, became far more open, and truly believes in her own abilities.
Isfiya Branch
Parent
Voices of Impact
Support Our Mission
Every contribution directly empowers youth across Israel to build emotional resilience, discover their strengths, and shape a promising future through meaningful mentorship.
$500
To Sponsor a Child's Journey
Donate
Full year of weekly social-emotional mentorship for one elementary school student.
$11,000
To Sponsor a Youth Mentorship Team
Donate
Full year of training, workshops, and weekly mentoring for an entire youth mentor team at a branch.
$22,000
To Fund a Community Branch
Donate
Complete 360° annual funding for an entire branch (~45 participants). Fully covers student management scholarships, mentor training, events, workshops, and all activity supplies.
Contributions in Israel are tax-deductible under Section 46. U.S. donors can make tax-deductible contributions through P.E.F. Israel Endowment Funds, Inc. (Organization ID: #82572), recommended for Ore to Excellence (Or LaChinuch), Israeli Non-Profit Registration No. 580492767.

Theory of Change
The transition from elementary to middle school is a vulnerable crossroad that calls for a safe social anchor. To answer this, our model connects three generations: university student fellows mentor local high school teens, who in turn guide 6th graders navigating this shift.
Because the teens are just "one step ahead," they serve as relatable, non-judgmental role models- relieving anxieties, building self-efficacy, and developing their own leadership skills.





















































