Happenings in the Students Build a Neighbourhood projects:

Thanks to the untiring work of Jacki Edri, our new coordinator, Alice Marks, our volunteer coordinator and the students in the project, hundreds of plants and a number of trees were planted in a new community garden in the neighborhood amidst much excitement in the community.

The garden was planted with the intention of helping the children to beautify their neighborhood and take responsibility for creating a more positive community environment. Initially the children learned about the different plants and trees that were to be planted, and then there was a community clean-up of the field. The planting was a festive occasion with the participation of most of the community and some of our donors and members of ESRA, as well as many residents and children not associated with the program – community involvement at its best! The children will be responsible for the upkeep of the garden as part of their ongoing weekly curriculum with the students.

We would like to offer our sincere thanks to Hannah Wende of Wende's ESRA Nursery in Ein Vered for her help, guidance and donation of many many plants and shrubs. Thanks too, to the Netanya municipal nursery for its assistance and donations of trees and plants.

The children, students and community residents who joined forces have created a wonderful garden for all of us to enjoy. May it grow and be fruitful.