Comprehensive support for young people with disabilities after their school education

Krembo Wings from Israel initiated the ‘Paving the Way to Independent Life’ programme in 2002 to support people with disabilities after their schooling and to help them develop soft skills and life skills. Managed by people both with and without disabilities, the programme benefits around 250 young graduates each year.

Krembo Wings is an Israeli youth movement and NGO that supports persons with and without disabilities. In 2002 it launched the Paving the Way to Independent Life programme, which organizes activities targeting soft-skills and life-skills development, provides empowerment such as managing a personal budget, and offers tailor-made professional guidance such as CV and application writing. The programme benefits around 250 young graduates every year.

Problems Targeted

At the age of 21, Israeli youth with disabilities no longer receive services from the Ministry of Education, often losing their support networks.

Solution, Innovation and Impact

The Paving the Way to Independent Life programme seeks to bridge the gap in social support measures when persons with disabilities in Israel move from support from the Ministry of Education to support from the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs at the age of 21. The programme, which is managed by people with and without disabilities, provides continued guidance and mentoring, such as occupational choices or academic studies, and helps young people to make informed decisions of their own future. Together with trained staff, the participants continually review personal goals and opportunities, and ensure that their individual needs as well as requests for improvement are discussed in open group meetings.  Practical elements are also taught, such as teamwork, public speaking, and administration, thus preparing students to live independently. The programme has over 5,000 graduates, all of whom are supported by the Krembo Wings staff, which includes 11 per cent persons with disabilities.

Funding, Outlook and Transferability

The Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs provides Krembo Wings with an annual non-fixed sum, which is complemented by individual and foundation donations from around the world. Krembo Wings aims to double its number of graduates from 2022 to 2027. In addition, the organization plans to expand its course offerings, integrating interview preparation, digital skills, and managing one’s personal budget, among other areas. Moreover, the organization provides training opportunities to educators and private companies seeking to expand their inclusion practices in the workplace and in the wider community.

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