Kiryat Malachi Launches New Adapted After-School Programs for Special Needs Children

The city of Kiryat Malachi, in partnership with the Magshimim Center, is expanding its leisure activities for children with special educational needs by launching a new, accessible, and tailored program of after-school classes. The initiative aims to provide children with quality, professional, and empowering activities in the afternoons.

Spearheaded by the Magshimim Center and supported by City Council member and head of welfare and special education, Yiri Dadon Saada, the program seeks to broaden the range of municipal services for these children and their families. The goal is to create suitable, local, and subsidized leisure options.

The new offerings include three specialized courses: a self-defense class for ages 5-9, focusing on simple, effective touch techniques to build self-confidence, held on Sundays at the Magshimim Center. A unique therapeutic-social soccer program, designed to enhance motor, emotional, and social skills, will take place on Wednesdays in the Karmey HaNadiv neighborhood. An empowering art class, providing a space for emotional expression and creativity to foster self-efficacy and resilience, will be held on Thursdays at the Magshimim Center for two age groups: 5-11 and 12-17.

Each course is priced at a subsidized rate of 130 shekels per month, ensuring affordability for a wider range of families. This initiative represents a significant effort to provide inclusive and enriching extracurricular opportunities for children with special needs within the community.