In a talk that he gave in 1972 entitled “Why I Believe in Others,” Victor Frankl, a psychiatrist and Holocaust survivor, spoke about Goethe's quote. He ended his talk with the following sentence: “If you presuppose in this man ... in this so called criminal or juvenile delinquent or drug abuser, ... there must be a what do you call it? a spark... a spark in search for meaning, let's recognize this... Let's presuppose it and then you will elicit it from him and you will make him become what he in principle is capable of becoming.”
Kav L’Noar recognizes that many teens and their families face challenges. We also recognize that, as Victor Frankl mentioned, everyone has a ‘spark’. Our challenge is to elicit that spark and help our teens become what they are capable of becoming. We believe that strong healthy personal relationships are the key to finding that spark which leads to mental and emotional health.
Kav L'Noar's Mentoring Program is built on this principle and matches young adults in their 20’s with youth struggling with life challenges. The bonds that are formed create a trust which allows the youngsters to confide in and learn from their mentors. School is often where children and youth exhibit the first signs of being at risk. Since many don't make it on their own to Kav L’Noar to access the assistance they need, Kav L’Noar has created a school-based group mentoring program that focuses on social and emotional learning for teens.
Along with many other non-profits, Kav L’Noar is hosting a team of runners who will participate in the Jerusalem Marathon on March 18, 2016. Our runners will include Board members and staff members and others who support our work. We are excited that the Givati Brigade of the IDF have informed us that they are sending over 1,400 soldiers who will run with Team Kav L’Noar this year.
Kav L’Noar is honored that the Givati Brigade has chosen to include us in their mission. They are scheduled to train with some of Kav L’Noar’s runners, thereby helping them to work toward their running and life goals. In addition, selected soldiers will meet some of the students in our School Group Mentoring Program, providing them with inspiration, guidance and support.
Role models are important in helping teens to overcome obstacles, build self-confidence and develop positive values. The Givati soldiers will serve as important role models for the youth in our School programs.
The best positive role models are passionate about what they do, having themselves overcome obstacles. Furthermore, they are committed to their community and have values that they believe in. Givati soldiers, who are committed and passionate soldiers, have overcome obstacles in their training and have strong Zionist values, symbolizing the qualities necessary for good role modeling.
Read more about Kav L’Noar’s programs on the website