Vocational Education & Skills Initiative
Understanding that guiding our girls toward job readiness is critical to breaking the cycle of poverty, deprivation, and abuse, Beit Ruth created the Beit Ruth Vocational Education & Skills Initiative. This Initiative is dedicated to readying our girls with the necessary professional and life skills that will better prepare them for long-term sustainable employment, ultimately empowering them to lead independent and fulfilling lives.
The Initiative launched in 2021 as a Beit Ruth partnership with “Shades of Sweet,” a proven comprehensive job skills readiness program specially designed for at-risk youth in Israel, ages 15-18. This Gourmet Chocolate-Making program is a collaboration that combines Beit Ruth’s expertise in working with girls at-risk and “Shades of Sweet’s” specialty in social entrepreneurship. By transforming existing space in the Village into a hybrid workspace, Beit Ruth created a real-life setting that mimics a true work environment and gives our girls the experience and responsibility of having their first after-school job. Since the launch, 43 girls, ages 16 and older, have participated, earning a Certificate of Completion after 40 hours of training - an accomplishment of which they are very proud.
Additional programs include:
Agriculture Program: Open to all girls, beginning at age 13, this program has 2 parts:
Short-term projects, for example, building planters and other woodworking designs, for girls who need immediate satisfaction to stay motivated and involved.
Long-term projects involve maintaining a greenhouse and selling what’s grown at local Farmers’ Markets. This is a skills-based program, as well as a leadership program – girls learn how to create a business plan, design a logo, pricing, sales and marketing, and other highly marketable skills.
Financial Literacy: This economic empowerment program has two strategic audiences:
Beit Ruth’s Pre-Graduates: Financial Literacy trainings for 15 young women, ages 17+. Topics include financial decision-making while living on a budget, how to save money, and how to build and live according to a budget.
Beit Ruth Alumnae: Financial Literacy training conducted by a professional Financial Educator for Beit Ruth Alumnae includes group sessions and personal meetings to address existing financial challenges, including managing credit cards, loan processes, saving for retirement, and other issues.
All of Beit Ruth’s program take place in a safe environment, allowing girls and young women to practice multiple skills and build confidence. Having an array of marketable skills and financial literacy increases opportunities for our girls and young women to positively contribute to their communities and to become part of the strength and fabric of Israel.
“It made me feel important to earn some money and learned how to conduct myself in the workplace.” - Sophie, 16 years old
