As part of the move, the assistance of the 'Poaleim Letakuma' fund will support the development and implementation of a new three-year study program at Sapir Academic College that will focus on the study of regional challenges and the development of entrepreneurial solutions to solve them. Impact in the entire area surrounding Gaza and the Western Negev Bank Hapoalim's 'Poalim Lethakmah' fund has approved a move to support the Sapir Academic College, located at the gate of the Negev in the Gaza Envelope, to the extent of approximately NIS 10 million.
As part of Bank Hapoalim's long-standing commitment to society and the community, Bank Hapoalim announced at the beginning of the 'Iron Swords' war the establishment of a fund of up to NIS 100 million to support the communities surrounding Gaza and the Western Negev and the war wounded. The foundation is headed by a public committee headed by Major General Amram Metzna and other public figures. Sapir College is the only academic institution in the Gaza Envelope and the Western Negev and serves as a major economic, cultural and technological growth engine in the region.
About 8,000 students study at the academic college and the adjacent technological college for engineers in Sapir, and it employs over 1,300 workers - the largest employer in this region. In light of this, Bank Hapoalim's 'Poaleim Latakuma' fund decided to support Sapir Academic College as part of the rehabilitation and return to normality of the entire area surrounding Gaza and the Western Negev. As part of the move, the foundation's assistance will support the development and implementation of a new three-year study program at the college, the first of its kind, which will focus on researching regional challenges and developing entrepreneurial solutions to solve them.
The purpose of the program is to encourage students from all over the country to enroll in studies at Sapir College and serve as an engine of social, economic and community growth in Otef. All students at Sapir Academic College will participate in the unique curriculum that will provide them with tools to conduct independent research and entrepreneurship and is designed to encourage them to develop projects that have an impact in the entire area surrounding Gaza and the Western Negev.
The program has three main axes: Innovative region-oriented pedagogy: All students at Sapir College will participate in the program for leadership, entrepreneurship and impact - a unique and extensive curriculum that will provide students with tools for conducting independent research and entrepreneurship, and will encourage them to develop projects that have an impact in the region. Innovation and entrepreneurship center: The center will lead to initiatives and the execution of projects for the restoration of the area in cooperation with the representatives of the area.
Employment: the program includes occupational training with placement at the end. As part of this, career counseling, employment-oriented courses sponsored by employers will be provided, and collaborations will take place with local authorities and employers. Reuven Krupik, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Bank Hapoalim said: "Higher education and its social environment are generators of significant change and growth, and we are proud to create ripples of this influence together with the students of Sapir College. We are proud of the partnership with Sapir College, whose roots have been planted in Otef for many years and which is an essential part of the restoration and renewal we wish for in the region."
Prof. Nir Kider, President of Sapir Academic College stated that: "The joint project of Bank Hapoalim with Sapir Academic College heralds a real revolution in the concept of academic studies in Israel. The male and female students will integrate during their studies in entrepreneurial activities that will produce a significant impact on Israel, and it will actively assist in its restoration and its growth. I thank the bank's management for the trust, support and guidance in our common goal: imparting entrepreneurship and leadership skills to students, connecting the academy to the field and, above all, national development of the region surrounding Israel."