Galileom

The Cluster of Eastern Galilee authorities, which incorporates 15 local authorities, aims to advance development, growth, education and quality of life in our region. The cluster leads processes and ventures that traverse local authority frameworks, and bring the advantages of operating on the regional level to the forefront.

The cluster’s strength stems from the cooperation between all the authorities that operate in tandem, based on a regional vision for the benefit of local inhabitants, in areas that serve as growth engines to generate change. The cluster presents a comprehensive strategic approach, based on examination of regional needs and devising joint development programs, and works with central government parties and the residents of the Eastern Galilee.

This strategy views the region through a long term lens, with emphasis on economic growth and developing a high-quality and growing community. The main areas of activity promoted by the cluster include: furthering education and higher education, developing employment opportunities and advancing regional economic and demographic growth, developing environmental and sustainability areas, developing health infrastructures, and improving transport infrastructures.

The cluster decided to place the topic of education at the top of its priorities, focusing on nurturing excellence in sciences. It is within this framework that the Enrichment and Excellence in Science and Technology regional venture operates. The venture is designed to enable youths living in the Eastern Galilee to develop their potential for the study and exploration of science and technology. The unique factor of this program is that it harnesses 15 local authorities, and research institutes, universities and colleges, laboratories and industrial plants for the benefit of the venture, in which around 50,000 children will study sciences at the highest and most accessible level.

Venture Vision

A high standard regional system will be established in the Eastern Galilee which will promote scientific-technological education, while leveraging teaching and study excellence, and creating science leadership. The system will be based on, and operated by, regional human capital and infrastructures, and will sustain equal opportunity and enhance social-community strengths.

The vision will be realized through various means:

1. Devising policy in science fields, in relation to national and regional orders of priority.
2. Developing and advancing physical and human science infrastructures for the purpose of achieving excellence, ambitiousness and creativity.
3. Professional advancement of science teachers, and nurturing quality science leadership and youth science leadership.
4. Expanding and deepening science education and literacy at all levels of the population, and bringing new and young groups to the sciences.
5. Raising public awareness of the importance of regional activity in science and technology.

The venture’s objectives relate to three time frames:

Short term:

1. To reinforce the connection with the sciences and technology (on a continuum from kindergarten age through to the 12th grade).
2. To offer an equal opportunity to all students in the region to gain exposure to the sciences and technology, and to decide to specialize in them.
3. To develop scientific thinking skills with the emphasis on science exploration among students.
4. To nurture excellence in the sciences.
5. To promote the professional advancement of science teachers and laboratory assistants.

Medium term:

1. To Increase the number of school students who opt for, and persevere with, science and technology studies, on a 5 study unit level from the 10th grade
2. To increase the number of school students who write 5 study unit level science and technology final papers for their matriculation examinations.

Long term:

1. To increase the number of education system graduates taking on, and succeeding in, academic studies, with the emphasis on science faculties.
2. To increase the number of graduates who decide to settle in the Eastern Galilee and work at education institutions, in industry and research institutes.
3. The activities are based on pedagogic and academic development previously conducted at Tel Hai Academic College, and are currently administered at three academic centers for youths: the academic colleges of Tel Hai, Kinneret and Zefat.

Main operational principles

To advance science education through 15 local authorities while utilizing the advantages of operating on a regional basis in the Eastern Galilee. The unique cooperation between the education systems, the Ministry of Education (and PISGA – teaching development – centers), academic institutions (Tel Hai Academic College, Kinneret College on the Sea of Galilee, Zefat Academic College, and the Faculty of Medicine in Zefat), research institutes (MIGAL – Galilee Research Institute, the Faculty of Medicine in Zefat, Golan Research Institute, Kinneret Research Laboratory) and industrial plants in the region (such as Amiad-Arkal, A.R.I. Kfar Haruv, Shamir Optical Industry Ltd.).

To engage in scientific activities at three academic centers for youths: at Tel Hai Academic College, Kinneret College on the Sea of Galilee, the Faculty of Medicine of Zefat Academic College – working in conjunction through a regional administration.

The educational activity is supported by evaluation research designed to maintain adherence to objective achievements.

To operate a pedagogic program for all age groups. The aim is for all kindergarten children and primary school students (about 30,000) to take part in science exposure programs. Around one third of middle school and high school students (about 20,000) will take part in science programs, which aim to develop thinking and research, and nurture scientific excellence. The programs are also designed to help science teachers’ professional progress.