New program aims to reach ‘invisible girls’ before they leave school, join hilltop youth

NOVEMBER 9, 2026 17:30The Israeli Social Platform, a nonprofit that develops education, employment, and welfare programs, has opened applications for a school-based program aimed at identifying and supporting girls at risk of dropping out of state-religious schools.The organization told The Jerusalem Post that a specific aim is to prevent those girls from gravitating toward hilltop youth.Called Merhavia, the initiative seeks to identify girls who are becoming disconnected from school while they are still enrolled, and provide support before they leave. The organization describes it as a partnership with the Education Ministry, working within girls’ schools in the state-religious education system.In a conversation with the Post last week, representatives of the organization described the students it hopes to reach as “invisible girls” - girls whose difficulties can go unnoticed even as their connection to school weakens. The written call, published on November 2, describes a broader effort to prevent both actual dropout and “hidden dropout”: emotional, social or academic disengagement from school.Footage showing extremist settlers running in the West Bank village of Kusra, August 12, 2026. (credit: screenshot/section 27a copyright act)Intervention begins inside schoolThe intervention would begin inside the schools, known as ulpanot. Participating institutions would assess all their students using a dedicated screening tool, while teachers and administrators would receive training to recognize girls at risk and support their continued place in the school community.The program envisages identifying approximately 25 to 30 girls for targeted assistance in each participating school. Individual plans would be developed and monitored, alongside small-group sessions addressing emotional, social and educational needs.Groups would consist of six to 10 girls and meet for 12 to 16 sessions. Possible activities include therapeutic art, photography-based work, dog training, and groups developing social skills. Anxiety, substance use, violence, and social exclusion are among the issues the proposed interventions could address.Support would also extend to families. Parents would be offered up to 10 individual guidance sessions, with parent support groups established where needed and where families are willing to participate. Girls could also be referred to individual treatment or activities in the community.Schools joining the program must commit to accommodating students at risk of dropping out, dedicate time to staff training, and incorporate the approach into their work over the longer term. Each school would appoint a coordinator and establish an internal steering committee involving its principal and counselor.Application open to middle, high schoolsApplications are open to schools serving grades seven through 12 or nine through 12, with at least two classes per grade and a diverse student population. The deadline is November 15.The Israeli Social Platform, formerly Yedidut Toronto, is a Jerusalem-based nonprofit led by CEO Shaltiel Sebban. It works with government bodies, local authorities and philanthropic partners on programs spanning education, employment and social support.Selected schools are due to be notified by November 24, with agreements and the start of implementation scheduled by December 8, according to the published timetable.Follow us on Google