Approximately 20 participants from ADI’s Gardeners Without Borders rehabilitation program received certificates of accomplishment from Sapir Academic College upon completing the innovative course, Introduction to Eco-Agriculture. Now documented as trained farmers, the certificate enables participants to work in the field of ecological agricultural farming.
Cooperative efforts between Sapir College, the ADI Negev-Nahalat Eran rehabilitation village and the Shomer HeChadash organization enabled 20 gardeners to train and specialize in the agricultural industry’s latest trends, preparing them for integration into the open job market.
“I haven’t completed a course since I was in first grade. I am so excited to be here today,” gushed Emmanuel Nagash, a gardener in ADI’s Gardeners Without Borders program. “It’s hard to grasp that this is really happening. For me, it is a new beginning.”
“The course helped unite us and create a team. It was presented professionally and was very interesting. I am so happy to be part of the ADI Negev-Nahalat Eran rehabilitation village,” said Itzik Hamo’i. After recovering and rehabilitating from two strokes, Itzik now works as a gardening program counselor for people with disabilities at ADI Negev-Nahalat Eran.
Avi Wortzman, village CEO, spoke at the graduation ceremony. “The demand for agricultural employees is increasing. The Gardeners Without Borders program initiated by ADI Negev-Nahalat Eran enables people with disabilities to work in the agricultural realm, proudly selling the produce they successfully grew. The eco-agriculture course, run in conjunction with Sapir Academic College and Shomer HeChadash and subsidized by the Ministry of Social Affairs, provides an opportunity for each individual to believe in themselves.”
“This is the most exciting event I have participated in,” proclaimed Professor Nir Kedar, president of Sapir Academic College. “It is our duty as a college to be part of the community. It is our responsibility to provide people with the material they want to learn and need for growth and advancement. This is just the beginning.”
Camilla Milner-Landskind, Director of the Pre-Academic and Continuing Academic Program at Sapir College added that, “It is important for us to develop innovative programs and be connected and sensitive to the needs of the community. This course, Introduction to Eco Agriculture, was created for the gardeners of ADI Negev-Nahalat Eran to fulfill their needs.”
“Gardeners Without Borders”, established at ADI Negev-Nahalat Eran employs approximately 30 gardeners with various types of disabilities in agricultural and gardening jobs within and outside of the village.
Congratulations to the new graduates. We wish you much success in all of your future endeavors.
