The “Children of Music”

Background – Lev Yaffo Community Center:

Situated in the heart of Yaffo at 3 Nahal Surak Street, the Lev Yaffo Community Center, aptly named, serves a diverse population of young people aged 13-18. This inclusive hub welcomes Jews, Arabs, second-generation immigrants from Ethiopia, and newcomers from Eastern European countries. They all come together to partake in a wide array of enriching classes offered at a minimal annual cost of NIS 200. This community center operates as a nurturing and empowering system for children and teenagers hailing from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Its core values emphasize openness and inclusivity, with a primary mission of fostering a sense of belonging and unity while equipping every young person with top-tier professional skills.

The Project:

Established in 2012, the “Children of Music” project is a collaborative effort between the Municipality of Tel Aviv-Yaffo and the “Mekor” foundation. “Mekor” is dedicated to making music accessible to at-risk youth across the country and oversees the project’s operations from within the Lev Yaffo Community Center, heavily relying on the voluntary contributions of accomplished musicians and industry professionals. Currently, approximately 300 young individuals participate in the project, predominantly hailing from Lev Yaffo, Ajami, Yaffo Gimmel, and Yaffo Dalet neighborhoods.

Due to the voluntary nature of the teaching staff, the project faces a yearly limitation of accommodating around 40 students. This constraint restricts the inclusion of new, exceptionally talented participants in high-level music education. To address this challenge, the project’s goal is to secure funding that will enable the employment of additional teachers who will complement the dedicated volunteers, providing stability and opportunities for growth within the center.

The Impact:

The “Children of Music” project is set to have a lasting impact by expanding its reach and providing more young talents with high-level music education. This will promote unity and belonging, benefiting the Lev Yaffo community and beyond.