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Krembo Wings Youth Movement for Children with Special Needs

Krembo Wings is the only inclusive youth movement for children and young people in Israel with severe special needs. The main purpose of Krembo Wings is to enable every child living with any type of motor, cognitive or sensory disability to take part in enjoyable social interactions between one another and their able-bodied peers, letting them become part of community life. Branch activities include games, arts and crafts, music, and more. Sessions allow members to expand their social circles and develop self-confidence. Activities also provide respite for the parents of members with special needs.

Around 1,200 children and young people from 7 to 21 years old participate in Krembo Wings activities nationwide. Krembo Wings runs clubs in nine Negev towns and cities:  Be’er Sheva, Ofakim, Sderot, Kiryat Gat, Dimona, Arad, Rahat, Arrara Banegev and Al Kaassum.

Krembo Wings’ uniqueness lies in the fact that the leaders of the youth movement’s activities are not trained caregivers, but 14 to 18-year-old Israeli teenagers (youth counsellors) who have taken part in intensive training to learn how to work well with the members. The organisation provides a comprehensive training programme for counsellors on subjects like guidance, special needs and team building.

JNF UK continues to provide support to Krembo Wings by raising funds to purchase dynamic activity kits and multimedia equipment for nine clubs in the Negev.  The equipment makes a big difference in working with people with special needs, honing motor and sensory skills and improving the bond between the club member and his or her counsellor.