The Azrieli Foundation Israel has announced a five-year, NIS180 million ($49.6 million) grant to the Darca Network in support of the organization’s educational empowerment programs in Israel, the Jerusalem Post reports.

The grant will enable Darca to expand its operations from 47 high schools to 60, with a focus on strengthening education opportunities for children in underserved communities described as the “socio-geographical periphery of Israel.” Darca’s programs promote excellence in the sciences and mathematics, the establishment of innovative pedagogical settings, and the empowerment of youth as leaders in their communities.

In addition, the grant will fund the Educational Leadership Accelerator program that aims to train and place 150 principals in elementary and secondary schools nationwide over the next three years. In 2018, the foundation awarded Darca a NIS110 million ($30.6 million) grant.

“The support and faith in the work of the Darca network will make it possible for us to move forward significantly in promoting equal and sustainable opportunity for every child [and to serve] as a model for the entire Israeli system of education,” said Darca chair Jimmy Pinto.

“The foundation is excited about expanding its partnership with Darca due to its commitment to providing equal opportunities and quality education to youth in the periphery that leads to a brighter future and promotes social mobility,” said Azrieli Foundation Israel chair Danna Azrieli, chair of the Azrieli Group, an Israel-based real estate company, who has joined the Darca board of directors. “[We] are building a respectful community that encourages creative thinking, leadership, dialogue, and acceptance of others in order to strengthen communities in the periphery, empower the future of our students, and create an enriched and innovative education system for all students.”

(Photo credit: Getty Images/SPIC)