The Ministry of Education will announce this evening that it will shorten the summer vacation to one month from two months, and that it will operate educational summer camps at schools. These camps will initially operate for kindergarten and Grades 1 and 2. The program will begin in the current academic year, and be expanded in 2015 to Grades 3-6.
The pupils will run the educational summer camps, alongside teachers who wish to participate. The Ministry of Education's budget will provide most of the financing, and parents of participating children will pay a fee that is called "token".
The program is in response to parents' complaints about the difference between their vacation days and those of their children. Some studies report that the difference exceeds 70 days a year.
Minister of Education Shai Piron said, "We're not talking about a pilot program but a revolution. This is another phase in our 'education around the clock' program that ultimately will present every child with a deep and comprehensive structure at every stage of development. We are committed to make major changes and we will continue working towards that with determination and professionalism."
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on November 28, 2013
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