HAMOADON HA'AMAMI

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A nationwide club providing sporting, cultural and social activities at prices that are affordable for everyone

SURELY most pupils have something to do after school. After all, there are lots of community centers, and sports and social clubs in Israel with all kinds of activities such as judo, karate, swimming and tennis. There are model airplane clubs and chess clubs. You can find places where they teach ballet, piano and guitar. But these activities are not for everyone. Actually they are only for kids whose parents have enough money.

When the school day ends, usually around lunchtime − indicating a severely limited curriculum − all that many kids have to do, apart from homework or slumping in front of a television or computer screen − is to roam around in the streets looking for ways to relieve the boredom. Clearly this is not a good situation. People once thought that the government, the municipalities and large sports organizations would realize the need to provide after-school sports and cultural activities for all kids. Clearly all these public entities are too busy with other priorities.

It seems that the solution for after-school activities for kids whose parents are not well-off (a large percentage of Israeli society) lies in the hands of the ordinary citizens who will take it upon themselves to provide activities without the astronomical expenditures inherent in most public endeavors. This is the background for starting the Moadon Ha'amami (which at the moment, apart from one activity, is still only an idea).

Projected activities

The aim is to eventually establish activities in every possible field of culture and sport. The first activity, which started in September, entails volunteer tutoring for pupils who are not able to keep up with their school curriculum and whose parents cannot afford the cost of private tuition. We have joined up with "Gamla," which is part of the JDC (the Joint), and which has been engaged in this vital work for a few years throughout Israel. We have already directed over 50 volunteer tutors to "Gamla."

Other activities which are being planned for all ages and which will begin once we find volunteer instructors, coaches and participants include:

Culture

There will be courses and groups in drama, piano, guitar and wind instrument lessons, choirs, various kinds of dance, chess, backgammon, bridge, debate, philosophy, religion, Bible studies, etc.

Sport and keeping fit classes

We will try to get together groups in every possible sport, We hope to eventually have classes in judo, karate, self-defence, wrestling, boxing, gymnastics, table tennis, weight lifting, athletics, and various ball games.

How the Moadon will function

In order to enable participation in the various activities at nominal prices (and in some cases even free of charge) most − if not all − the instructors will work on a voluntary basis. (In some cases traveling expenses will be paid). Also, administrative and organizational tasks will be done on a voluntary basis. Most of the instructors will not be professionals. Clearly there are many people who in the past have participated in various sports at a fairly competent level and who still retain a love for their past sports. Many of these people could easily coach beginners and even intermediates.

Another major expense to be almost entirely reduced will be rental of facilities. We will operate from venues that will be free of rental or at very nominal prices. We will operate from private homes, public parks (in the dry weather which is about eight months a year), as well as various public or commercial places who will give us permission to use certain suitable areas for our purposes.

At the moment we still do not have any central venue. All our work is still at a very preliminary stage of planning. The only activity which has begun is the volunteer tutoring mentioned above. Because we are based in Jerusalem, this is where things will begin. However, our aim is to eventually reach every part of the country with as many activities as possible.

Membership in the Moadon

Terms of membership will be very simple. Would-be members will be asked to read a short paragraph which describes the underlying principles of the Moadon Ha'amami, which are to include integrity, common decency, respect for others and good sportsmanship. Membership dues will be very nominal.

Expenses and canvassing funds

Despite the low operating costs made possible by a basis of volunteering and negligible rentals there will nevertheless be expenses such as insurance payments for instructors and participants in various sports, costs for printing of various forms, publicity, posters, advertising, as well as the need here and there to pay minimal rentals. Together, all these payments will reach tangible amounts. The modest membership dues will not cover all these payments. Furthermore, there will also be a need to purchase equipment such as gymnastic apparatus, bats and balls for various sports, punch bags, gloves, etc, etc. There will also be a need for traveling expenses and club uniforms. We therefore make an appeal for funds. Every assistance will help.

Atmosphere

An important aspect of Moadon Ha'amami's aims is the promotion of values of integrity, common decency, respect and good sportsmanship. These values, together with positive cheerfulness will be integral to the spirit of the Moadon Ha'amami. The Moadon Ha'amami does not represent or promote any political or religious movement or trend.

Current activities

We are making preparations to become registered as an amuta. We need to nominate a board of directors, official positions and formulate rules and guidelines. At the same time we are in the midst of establishing what will be an ongoing program to provide free tuition for needy pupils (see previous mention).

To contact us

Call Rafi Dobrin, tel (972-2)6422347 (that's Jerusalem, Israel) or 0544-334051.
OR SEND US AN E-MAIL