Mandel Program for Local Leadership in Yeruham and Ramat Hanegev
The Mandel Program for Local Leadership in Yeruham and Ramat Hanegev aimed to develop high-quality leaders to improve many aspects of life in and around Yeruham and Ramat Hanegev
The Mandel Program for Local Leadership in Yeruham and Ramat Hanegev was designed to train a high-quality group of leaders in order to equip them to develop and advance the region, and thus improve the quality of life of residents of Yeruham and its environs and residents of the Ramat Hanegev regional council.
The group included 19 fellows in total (12 from Yeruham, one from Rakhama, and six from communities in Ramat Hanegev) and was very diverse in terms of age, gender, occupation, and education. This heterogeneity was a true reflection of the diverse populations of Yeruham and Ramat Hanegev. The fellows were selected based on their social engagement and commitment, their desire to lead change, and their willingness to take responsibility for their environment.
The two-year program focused on helping fellows clarify their worldview and framework of values, formulate their vision accordingly, and develop their ability to realize their vision. Emphasis was placed on the power of collaboration, both during studies and in the world of practice.
The program combined in-depth theoretical study of key content areas with development of practical skills and abilities. The content areas of the program included identity and values, space and place, planning and policy, and leadership and practice, while the main practical abilities that fellows develop included interpersonal communication and understanding, clear writing, and verbal expression.
The program used a range of learning methods, including frontal lectures, discussions, collaborative text study, workshops to process content studied, individual projects, workshops on group dynamics, outdoor training, and group retreats.
The Mandel Program for Local Leadership in Yeruham and Ramat Hanegev was launched in September 2016 and concluded in July 2018. It was directed by Dr. Itzhak (Kiki) Aharonovich and Dr. Noa Milman. Following the completion of the program, the fellows joined the community of graduates of the Mandel Center for Leadership in the Negev and began to participate in follow-up programs.
