Mandel Program for Regional Leadership in Rahat
The program aims to help an exceptional group of fellows develop a transformative vision for enhancing quality of life in Rahat, its surrounding areas, and the entire Negev, and to translate the vision into practice
Program Goals
- To cultivate outstanding leaders, with emphasis on advancing personal capabilities, developing a values-driven worldview, and analyzing the fellow’s sphere of activity
- To advance social initiatives designed to improve quality of life in the Negev, taking into account the challenges of the region, especially those that emerged in recent times
- To strengthen shared spaces for the diverse communities of the Negev, while deepening practical partnership and solidarity
Areas of Study
The program combines multidisciplinary theoretical study of the humanities, philosophy, social sciences, education, urban studies, governance and public policy. The content has been carefully selected and tailored in order to equip fellows to drive change in the Rahat region, with an emphasis on the leadership challenges and unique opportunities offered by the city and its surroundings.
The educational journey offered by the program includes diverse experiences and learning methods. It combines theoretical lectures that serve as springboards for group discussion, joint study of texts, workshops in which educational content is processed, individual assignments and projects, field trips, two-day retreats, individual and group tutoring, and more.
Study Units
The curriculum is based on four central learning axes that enable integration of the diverse content:
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Identity and Values: Clarification of values and worldview, and formulating a vision – both as individuals and as a group
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Space and Place: Examining the central characteristics and challenges of the environments in which the fellows operate, including social-communal characteristics, economic factors, and cultural dimensions
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Governance, Policy, and Local Government: Understanding frameworks for action, the complexity of governance, and ways to expand leadership activity through policy change at local and national government levels
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Leadership and Driving Change: Exploring patterns and types of leadership through theoretical study and practical encounters with prominent leaders, while deeply examining the challenges and dilemmas of values-based leadership
The two-year program meets one day a week. Cohort 3 (non-continuous) began its studies in September 2024.
Program Director: Dr. Kassim Alsraiha
