Umm al-Fahm Youth Department Launches 'Challenges' Program for 2026-2027 School Year

The Youth Department of the Community Center in Umm al-Fahm, affiliated with the municipality, has officially launched its 'Challenges' program for the 2026-2027 academic year. This initiative aims to bolster extracurricular education in the city by expanding the available educational, developmental, and recreational opportunities for students after school hours. The program seeks to help students invest their free time meaningfully, develop their abilities, and nurture their talents.

The 'Challenges' program is part of the Youth Department's ongoing efforts to provide safe and supportive educational and social frameworks for students in Umm al-Fahm, covering all primary and middle schools. It also includes extracurricular educational and recreational initiatives for high school students, focusing on life preparation, strengthening identity and belonging, and developing personal, social, and leadership skills. These programs are deemed particularly important for creating a comprehensive educational environment that extends beyond regular school hours, offering students additional avenues for learning, creativity, and social interaction.

The program, now in its tenth year, serves thousands of students across various educational levels in the city through diverse courses, workshops, and activities tailored to their interests and needs. These activities will continue throughout the academic year until the end of the third semester, ensuring continuous educational support. This year's season emphasizes 21st-century skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, effective communication, time management, and leadership, alongside activities promoting creativity, self-expression, confidence-building, and a stronger connection to cultural identity and local heritage.

Mohammed Saleh Ighbaria, Director General of the Community Center, stated that the launch of a new season of 'Challenges' reflects the center's commitment to investing in the city's youth and providing quality educational opportunities. He noted that the program has become a significant part of Umm al-Fahm's extracurricular education system due to its diverse content and wide reach. Ighbaria emphasized the center's responsibility to provide organized after-school programs in partnership with schools, parents, and professionals.

Heba Mahajna, Director of the Youth Department, added that the program's launch aligns with a vision to offer comprehensive frameworks for students of all ages, considering their specific needs and interests. She highlighted the integration of educational, developmental, and recreational content to help students acquire new skills, engage in meaningful experiences, enhance their identity and belonging, and prepare for life with greater awareness and confidence. Mahajna stressed the importance of these frameworks continuing throughout the year to provide a supportive environment for students to utilize their time, develop talents, and build balanced personalities capable of initiative and positive influence.