MEPI in Israel

The following lists ongoing and completed programs in Israel, as well as providing a link to Regional Programs, where an organization is working in two or more countries simultaneously. Wherever possible, we have provided a link to the organization’s home page. 

Ongoing Programs:

The following programs are specific to Israel (unless otherwise identified).  [MEPI reform pillars are listed brackets].

Ahali Center for Community Development

Equal Opportunities for Rural Women [Women, Economic] – With this grant, the Ahali Center is developing stronger marketing skills and employment opportunities for rural Arab women.  The project consists of a series of workshops and training courses intended to help local women design and market their products, which will then be featured in a marketing fair and a catalog produced by Ahali.  Project objectives include increasing the economic independence of Arab women in the region, while opening up more jobs and improving the local economy by exposing participants’ products to a wider market. 

Bedouin Association for Education and Health Development

Girls' Educational Empowerment [Women, Education] – This NGO is implementing an intensive, year-long project designed to reduce the percentage of school dropouts among girls in the Bedouin community in Taibeh.  The project focuses on remedial learning to keep junior high school-aged girls in school, while improving their interpersonal communication skills.  Project activities include after-school language and mathematics courses, as well as field trips and activities related to women’s rights, health education, and other social issues. 

A Step Forward Association for the Advancement of Education in Rahat

Higher Education Resource and Guidance Center in Rahat [Education] – This project is addressing obstacles facing Arab Bedouin students and the gap between Jewish, Arab, and Bedouin sectors in academic achievement.  To reach this objective, A Step Forward is coordinating several activities, including holding a higher education fair, leading guided tours of universities for high school students, conducting courses and workshops, and providing consulting, career guidance, and other assistance to Bedouin students. 
 
Economic Empowerment for Women

A Business of One’s Own - Arab Israeli Women– [Women, Economic] - with this grant, EEW is implementing a project that uses business support programs to help  poor and low-income women gain financial independence and make the transformation out of poverty.  The project consists of a series of activities including entrepreneurial training, technical assistance and mentoring, and the development of advanced marketing and production programs.  Through these activities, women are building skills that will help them increase their income and gain greater economic independence and participation in their local economies.

Movement for Quality Government in Israel

Empowering Arab Attorneys and Accountants to Fight Corruption in Arab Municipalities [Education] –  In an effort to improve the quality of local governance while promoting values of civic activism in a democratic society, MQG is using a MEPI Small Grant to establish a legal clinic and organize lectures, workshops, and public events.  The aim of this project is to better train Arab jurists and provide them with tools to take effective legal and civil action against corruption and misconduct in local government.  The legal clinic will provide a “Hot-Line,” manned by volunteers working with MQG’s professional staff, to handle cases dealing with allegations of government malfeasance in Arab municipalities.