For the past 5 years, Kavod Charter School has been welcoming interns from Israel as part of a year of service program called Shin-shinim (Shin-shinim is a Hebrew abbreviation for “year of service”). This program brings Israeli culture and the Hebrew language to San Diego through young Israeli ambassadors who apply to the rigorous internship program. Our tuition-free Tk-8 charter school has benefited immeasurably from hosting these ambassadors: these young people enrich our multicultural community by not only sharing their culture, but by modeling global citizenship and a commitment to service.
Shin-shinim interns volunteer at Kavod 5 days a week from 7:30-4:00 for an entire school year. On the weekends and during the summer, they continue their service with a variety of organizations in San Diego. They are generously hosted by the various organizations they work with and with Kavod families who are a vital component of this program.
The interns we have hosted arrive at Kavod well prepared, responsible and eager to take on new tasks in a new setting. Acceptance into the Shin-shinim program grants a 1 year deferment of mandatory service in the Israel Defense Forces, meaning that only the best and brightest are chosen for the program.
At Kavod, Shin-shinim interns build relationships with students, support differentiation in our Hebrew classes and bring the Israeli culture to life through a number of initiatives, including decorating the campus, teaching enrichment classes about Israel, implementing a singer in the mask challenge, creating news-blogs and weekly news, hosting before or after school clubs, and creating fun activities at recess. They also organize many of our school-wide events and design a leadership program for our 8th graders.
Shin-shinim depend on Kavod host families to house them throughout the year, which is an enriching experience for both the Shin-shinim and our Kavod families.
Families who are interested can host a Shin-shinim for 3-4 months, as they rotate through families’ homes throughout the year. The Shin-shinim are extremely independent, having their own phone, car, doing their own laundry and supporting themselves.
What is required of a host family?
> A private bedroom
> Food for daily meals
> Inclusion in family activity / meals / shabbat, etc.
Opening your home to a Shin-shinim intern gives your family the chance to grow their perspective and learn about the world. Your family will be enriched by learning about Israel and enjoy being an ambassador of American culture to our interns. Lifelong friendships are often built during their short stay, opening up opportunities for future exchange and travel. If you are a Kavod family interested in hosting a Shin-shinim for a few months, please email HaMorah Ronit at Ronit@kavodcharter.org
For the 2023-24 school year, we will be welcoming the following Shin-shinim interns to Kavod Charter School:
Shay
Shay is 18 years old and lives in Mazkeret Batya. Shay is a musician who plays guitar and violin and is majoring in music in high school. He volunteers in a youth movement and loves to hike, travel, and learn about a variety of enrichment fields such as philosophy, computers, and the history of the Middle East.
Noya
Noya is 18 years old and lives in Kiryat Ono. In high school, she is majoring in chemistry and history. Noya is very active in the Zofim movement and has fulfilled many roles throughout her 8 years of participation, including as a counselor for 6th and 7th grade children. She loves to dance and teaches Israeli dances and hip-hop to her Zofim groups.
Daniel
Daniel is 18-year-old and lives in Kadima – Tzoran. In high school, Daniel is majoring in psychology. She is a counselor at the Zofim youth movement working with children in elementary school and 8th grade. She loves to play the guitar and read books.
Gal
Gal is 17 years old and lives in Ashkelon. Gal is a powerhouse teen who volunteers in many different organizations such as Krembo Wings, and Revolution of Happiness; a project that brings volunteers to sing, dance, and distribute gifts at hospitals around the country. In high school, she majors in diplomacy & international relations, Arabic, and social science. Gal plays guitar and is also a professional dancer. She was a teen counselor at Noar HaOved and consulted the Southern District group and the feminist club of the youth movement.
Noam
Noam is 18 years old and lives in Har Hadar. In high school, she is majoring in computer science and Israeli geography, history, and culture. Noam is a counselor at the Zofim youth movement and organizes different volunteer initiatives in her community. She plays volleyball and loves to travel.
As we prepare for another great year of learning and language, we look forward to welcoming our new Shin-shinim interns as well as all returning and new students to Kavod Charter School. If you are interested in giving your child an exceptional multicultural education there is still time to enroll. School starts August 24th for Tk-5 and August 28th for 6-8 – get started today.
About Kavod Charter School
Kavod is a non-religious, tuition-free public school that teaches the modern Hebrew language to TK-8th grade explorers in San Diego. We value rigor, bilingualism and international education as a means to develop compassionate global citizens. Kavod means “Respect” in Hebrew- and our vision is for every explorer to respect themselves, each other, their community, and other cultures. Enroll with Kavod today!
