Yanal Initiative Integrates Over 1,000 Arab Youth into Higher Education and Vocational Training
Translated & summarized from Alarab by baba
The "Yanal" initiative, a Qatari project involving the Ministry of Social Affairs and Social Services, "Joint Ashalim," and the "Rashi" Foundation, has successfully integrated over 1,000 Arab youth into higher education and vocational training programs since 2024. The program addresses educational disparities by providing linguistic, economic, and social support, alongside academic and vocational preparation. It aims to reduce dropout rates and enhance social mobility within the Arab community by offering a comprehensive support system.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- The "Yanal" initiative has helped over 1,000 Arab youth access higher education and vocational training since 2024.
- The program targets Arab youth aged 18-25 facing educational and socioeconomic barriers.
- Significant educational gaps exist, with many Arab youth lacking high school diplomas or matriculation certificates.
- "Yanal" offers community, institutional, and systemic support pathways to address these challenges.
- Key partners include the Ministry of Social Affairs and Social Services, "Joint Ashalim," and the "Rashi" Foundation.
The "Yanal" initiative, a Qatari project operating under the "Yated" program of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Social Services, in partnership with "Joint Ashalim" and the "Rashi" Foundation, aims to bridge educational gaps for Arab youth. Launched in 2024, the initiative seeks to create a comprehensive model for preparing individuals for higher education by addressing economic, linguistic, and social barriers, thereby enhancing opportunities for integration and continuation in educational and vocational pathways.
Data indicates significant disparities in post-secondary education access for the Arab community. Approximately 16.1% of Arab youth aged 18-24 lack a high school diploma, and about 60% do not possess a matriculation certificate (Baggrout) required for academic study. Even for those who enter preparatory programs, dropout rates can reach around 50%, according to research by Dr. Nisreen Haj Yahya on the "Yated" program.
The "Yanal" initiative targets Arab youth aged 18-25 facing complex life circumstances or not meeting admission criteria for advanced educational tracks. It operates on the conviction that simply completing education is insufficient, as youth encounter challenges like language barriers, lack of guidance, low self-efficacy, and socioeconomic difficulties.
To combat these issues, "Yanal" offers integrated services and support through three main pathways: a community track focusing on language and academic skills, test preparation (Psychometric and Yael), career exploration, and individual support; an institutional track enhancing support systems within technological colleges in collaboration with the "Meho" Institute for Technological Rehabilitation to reduce dropout rates; and a systemic track aimed at developing institutional frameworks, partnerships, and coordination between local authorities, educational institutions, and professional bodies to create a sustainable support ecosystem.
Since its inception in 2024, the initiative has shown encouraging results, with over 1,000 Arab youth benefiting from tailored services. These include preparatory courses, Hebrew language enhancement, academic skills development, career exploration workshops, and individual academic and social support. Participants also received vocational training and basic education completion, including high school diplomas and Baggrout certificates, to broaden educational and professional opportunities and foster social mobility.