Mandel Program for Regional Leadership in Kseifa and Arara BaNegev

The Mandel Program for Regional Leadership in Kseifa and Arara BaNegev aimed to help fellows clarify their worldview and develop practical ideas for realizing their vision for improving quality of life in the Negev ​

The Mandel Center for Leadership in the Negev's local leadership programs group a number of localities together so as to promote a regional perspective, with the aim of improving quality of life in both urban and rural areas. The Center works to promote a shared and equal space for developing leadership in the Negev. Its programs are carefully designed to include both theoretical and practical aspects, and to serve as a foundation for work by graduates that will lead to change throughout the region.

The Mandel Program for Regional Leadership in Kseifa and Arara BaNegev was designed for people with high potential for making an impact, who are committed to advancing their community and their region. The program combined theoretical and practical studies in both individual and group settings, and included field study trips and intensive seminars.

Program Content

The Mandel Program for Regional Leadership in Kseifa and Arara BaNegev covered a wealth of content from philosophy and the humanities, social sciences, education, urbanism, political science, and public policy, and included experiential learning and other learning methods. Materials were carefully chosen so as to provide participants with a broad basis and with content that is relevant to their work, communities, and region. Studies included theoretical lectures with discussions; collaborative text study, workshops for processing the content studied, individual assignments, educational field trips, a two-day retreat, and in-depth study of specific subjects.

Program of Study: Main Elements

The curriculum was based on four main axes of study that enable combinations of different kinds of content:

1. Identity and Values: Clarifying values and worldviews and formulating a vision, both individually and as a group.
2. Region and Place: The central characteristics and challenges associated with the places and regions in which the fellows are active, including social, communal, economic, and cultural characteristics.
3. Governance, Policy, and Local Government: Understanding the frameworks for action, the complexity of governance, and how the impact of leadership can be increased by working to change policy at the local and national government levels.
4. Leadership and Practice: Different types and patterns of leadership, examined via both theoretical study and encounters with prominent leaders, as well as study of the challenges and dilemmas involved in values-based leadership.
   

A key element in the program was a project undertaken by each fellow, which was designed to bring about change in education, society, and community in the Negev. 

Program Dates and Duration

The program ran for two years, with classes meeting one day a week for a total of 450 hours of study. It began in October 2018 and concluded in August 2020.

Program Director: Kassim Alsraiha