What is the NCLCD?
The IAF Center strives to teach youth about the morals of the IAF, Zionism and the true meaning of contribution and the need for individual responsibility. The National Center for Leadership and Character Development (NCLCD) is a unique program, established by the Israel Air Force Center in full partnership with the Israel Air
Force to achieve those goals. As part of their participation in the NCLCD, which takes place entirely at the IAF Center, young people are educated and inspired to lead and take charge, trained to become ambassadors to other Israeli youth, and taught the meaning of being active members of the State of Israel and its Defense Forces.
The NCLCD transmits the history, stories of personal sacrifice, dedication and values of the Israeli Air Force to Israeli youth and others, internationally, who may be inspired to serve.
The IAF Heritage Unit based at the IAF Center, with the help and cooperation of the IAF Center, has developed tailor made seminars and workshops geared specifically for Israeli youth, emphasizing the study and understanding of the human effort, moral dilemmas and personal tales of heroism that lie behind the glorious past missions of the IAF.
The IAF Heritage & Legacy Unit has been located in the IAF Center since September 2009 advancing its partnership with the IAF Center and combining its work within the NCLCD. Basing the IAF Heritage & Legacy Unit within the IAF Center facilities creates an opportunity to work in conjunction with IAF veterans at the IAF Center and enables a convenient location to reach out to communities around Israel.
Why Invest in Israeli Youth?
The greatest natural resource and the core strength of the State of Israel are its people. Even before the establishment of the State of Israel, it was the strength and commitment to serve that has reflected its strength, each man and woman knowing that the Jewish people are safe only with a strong, free and independent country. That dedication has paid off and Israeltoday is a proven leader in cutting edge technology in science, medicine and agriculture to name but a few.
Success, however, is not without its challenges.Israel’s growth and economic expansion have also spawned an alarming phenomenon – today’s younger generation largely takes Israel for granted. Unprecedented numbers of Israeli youth are hesitating or even refusing to participate in any type of national service. The ideals that are the Zionist Dream and which sustained the Jewish people for centuries are being eroded and possibly lost, potentially exposing potential major weaknesses in the fabric and strength of Israeli society.
Youth Leadership Activities
Today, the Israel Air Force, in cooperation with the Ministry of Education, sponsors four elite high schools, called TechnologicalCollegesand one military boarding school. Close to 3,000 youngsters from all around the country and across the socio-economic and ethnic layers attends these schools. They stress mathematics, science and technology, aviation topics, electronics and computers, and physics (control and energy) together with other regular subjects.
The NCLCD at theIAF Center is currently holding two sessions a week with young Air Cadets and youth from schools located in the center of the country. From 2010 to June 2012, 3,117 young cadets and other young people have already participated in the Center’s activities. The programs have been modified and expanded based on the evaluation and feedback of participants, following two and a half years of operation.
In 2011, together with the IAF, approximately 100 current and former IAF personnel was established to conduct special seminars in which an IAF personnel’s personal story is the focus of an open discussion with participants. As of early 2012, each workshop takes place for a minimum of six hours a day and includes an hour and a half exchange with the IAF volunteer.
The present staff at the IAF Heritage & Legacy Unit working with the youth includes one officer and four instructors who are specially trained soldiers.
Future Expansion of the Program
With the further development and increasing progress of activities with Israeli youth, the NCLCD program will be translated and made available to youth groups visitingIsraelthrough Birthright, Young Judea, BBYO and other leading Israeli programs and Jewish youth movements.
How You Can Help:
Through this special program, you can make a difference in the future outcome of deserving young people and in the future of the State of Israel. We have created special support packages to take on as personal as well as community projects:
Learning Kits Package
Bring the teaching into the 21st century, and beyond! The Learning Kits Package will enable to enrich the current content available and upgrade the spectrum of subjects and issues in the learning sessions. You can support the program by designating the following:
$20,000 annually - covers research, editing, development, translations, adaptations, clip arts, computer animation and video restoration
Field Day Package
Learning is experiencing, what better way to learn than to see and feel for yourself?
With the expansion of the program, reaching out to underprivileged communities in the northern and southern parts of the State of Israel, the NCLCD will need to cover expenses of transportation and meals. You can support the program by designating the following:
$17,000 annually – transportation to and from the Center.
$25,000 annually – food and beverages during their stay at the Center.
Donors to the NCLCD will be recognized in all publications and materials prepared for this innovative and successful program.
