Shaar Shivion (The Equalizer)
The Equalizer (Shaar Shivion)
Field: Informal Education
FY26 allocation: $15,000
4th Year
Location: Kiryat Gat, Shafir, Lachish
// About the Organization
The Equalizer bridges social gaps via 6 sports-education programs. Serving 10,000 youth across 127 municipalities. The organization provides a vital after-school framework for empowerment in Israel’s periphery.
// Project Description
The project reduces socio-economic gaps by establishing 8 boys' soccer teams in the Partnership Region. The model integrates two weekly practices with educational sessions focused on personal growth, responsibility and good citizenship. To strengthen cohesion, the Equalizer holds 4 regional tournaments for diverse communities. The organization provides boys in the periphery with a framework that develops life skills and self-confidence for a shared future in Israeli society.
// Project Goals
The purpose of the project is to use sports as a tool for education, youth empowerment and self-confidence. The key goals are to provide a positive framework for boys, to enhance a sense of belonging to their school and community, develop personal resilience and promote values of tolerance and respect in order to build a more cohesive and united society.
// Target Population
Approximately 120 children and teenagers between the ages of 9-16 are selected based on social / educational needs. Indirect impact: families of the kids who receive emotional / financial support, educators gain student-engagement tools and the community benefits from cohesion and future contributing citizens.
// Outcomes
Short-term outcomes include: creating eight soccer teams, with at least 60 sessions per team and 4 regional tournaments. Long-term outcomes include higher levels of school attendance and a sense of belonging, improved self-perception and agency and cultivating respect and tolerance among diverse groups in the region.
// Project Timeline
Expected timeline: July-Aug 26: Impact, evaluation and learning from previous cycles. Sep-Oct 26: Staff recruitment, school coordination and forming the teams. Nov 26-June 27: At least 60 weekly sessions, 4 regional tournaments and final reports.
// Budget Sustainability
The Equalizer aims to increase local funding annually to reduce donor dependency. The organization’s model builds on partnering with municipalities and schools, targeted to cover 33%-40% of costs, to be bolstered by donors committed to Israel's social and geographical periphery.
The Partnerships' funding is a vital anchor for the organization’s collaborative model. If the full amount is not granted, the Equalizer will have to reduce the number of teams in the Partnership Region accordingly, as it impacts the organization’s ability to sustain the program's current match and scope.
// Project establishment status
The program has operated in the Partnership Region for years. The Equalizer’s annual launch includes coordinating with local authorities, mapping relevant schools, engaging principals and establishing "Shaar Shivion" teams based on identified community needs.