U.S. - Israel Citizenship Through Sports Exchange

The Program

Student athletes partake in workshops promoting good sportsmanship, citizenship,
tolerance and respect for diversity
Participate in athletic competitions in host country
Experience host culture through activities and site visits
Undergo training to sharpen communication, problem solving and decision making skills;
honing necessary tools for leadership, conflict resolution and success in all future endeavors.

Proven Success

Throughout Israel, the adaptation of AIFL's 'Citizenship Through Sports' Program has created a cadre of youth leaders prepared to direct their schools and clubs in activities designed to curb intolerance, disrespect and non-sportsmanlike behavior-necessary steps in eradicating violence in school. From Tel-Aviv to Modi'in, from Nahariya to Kibbutz Yagur student and teacher program alumni have been inspired to take action in their communities. Past participants have organized local meetings, training sessions and sports activities. Six students and a teacher from the Carmel Zevulun Regional High School in Kibbutz Yagur adopted Ivnin, a neighboring Arab village, and developed a school project to teach CTSE's lessons in teamwork, respect, fairness, leadership, and community service to the village children.

Other program successes include:

Israel's Ministry of Education implementing CTSE as part of its national high school
extra-curricular initiative against violence
Elements of CTSE's curriculum adapted for, and currently active in nearly 100 high
schools across Israel
Program featured at anti-violence seminars conducted throughout Israel
CTSE being introduced into Israeli middle and elementary schools
Program graduates formed local conferences in their communities, serve as workshop
and discussion leaders
In Nahariya, local businesses joined forces with local schools to charter CTSE
programs in sports clubs and community centers