Israel

ISRAEL TENNIS CENTERS ‘EMBRACE’ PROGRAMME, JAFFA, TEL AVIV
Most of the children attending the ‘Embrace’ programme face a difficult home life of poverty and instability and are from a variety of ethnic backgrounds. The selection process gives no priority to race, gender or religion and is an allinclusive tennis/life skills programme. The children learn tennis and sports skills at the Tennis Center and the programme collaborates with daycare centres where the kids learn important life skills. In addition, the children receive academic tutoring and homework help, promoting learning and studying skills that lead to academic and ultimately personal success. During the pandemic, tablets were provided for the children at risk so that they could connect to social networks and Zoom activities. Tennis training videos were sent via WhatsApp and Facebook for training at home and a Zoom support group was established with a Social Worker.