Samaria Council Launches 'Generation 5.0 Global' Leadership Program for Students

The Samaria Regional Council has unveiled "Generation 5.0 Global," a new educational initiative aimed at training outstanding students to represent Israel and Samaria internationally. This program is part of a broader five-year plan to strengthen education in the region, backed by a 50 million shekel investment from the council's budget. The initiative focuses on developing skills in rhetoric, artificial intelligence, English, diplomacy, and activism.

The council highlighted rapid growth in the area's education system, with the number of schools increasing from 21 to 32 over the past decade and a 5% rise in student enrollment in the last two years. Recently, a new modern permanent building for the Ba'alei Zahav religious elementary school was inaugurated, costing 27 million shekels and accommodating around 500 students in 24 innovative classrooms.

The "Generation 5.0 Global" program will run for 18 months and includes 16 in-depth sessions, professional tours across Israel, panels, and simulations. Participants, selected for their high social skills and advanced English proficiency, will be divided into four main content divisions: Israel and global media challenges, diplomacy and activism, rhetoric and debate, and digital content creation using AI. The council subsidizes participation costs, charging only 160 shekels per month.

Samaria Council head Yossi Dagan emphasized the importance of this initiative amid Israel's complex international image challenges. He stated, "The battle for Israel's truth is fought not only on the battlefield but also in the media, campuses, social networks, and decision-making centers worldwide. We invest in the next generation of spokespeople to confront demonization and falsehoods with professionalism and confidence. Our youth are Israel's best ambassadors, and equipping them with skills in rhetoric, diplomacy, AI, and English is a paramount Zionist mission."