KAIMA. The farm that changes lives

In Bet Zayit--on the outskirts of Jerusalem, a group of educators--who didn't start out as farmers--wanted a solution for street kids, kids with behavior problems, who distrusted authority and  adults in general, with limited support--perhaps from home or school or their community.  So two educators figured these kids needed 3 things--develop responsibility, trust others, gain confidence and make money.  An unused agricultural plot, overgrown and covered with stones was offered to them.  Through Facebook, 1000 came over a short period of time to clear the stones.  Kibbutz Khaterim donated  the drip watering system.  In 1 1/2 years 30 kids have worked hard to change their lives and discover that they are actually worth something.  Hit he organizers have new dreams:  Start this program all over Israel and bring these kids off the streets to begin to meet their potential; have the government match their salar--so when they complete this program and the army they will have the funds to attend the college or trade school of their choice--so they can have hopes and dreams for the future.  

This farm is one of only 15 CSA's in all of Israel.  The work is brutal.  The ratio of staff to participant is 1 to 1!  "Therapy" happens like a confessional only the adult is on one side of the tomato plant and the kid is on the other.  Change is hard.  It takes time & money.  These people are transforming lives.  Find out how kaima.org.il or email kaima.office@gmail.com. Naturally, you can find them on Facebook!