In a world where accelerated technological development is a central engine for social and economic growth, the “Fursa” and “Athar” initiatives, operating under the aegis of Portland Trust, present a Mentoring program, which is both a pragmatic and value-driven vision: A mentoring process where Fursa graduates are mentoring the Athar program participants of Bedouin women from southern Israel, contributing to their integrating into the Israeli high-tech industry. After the current pilot, this model will be implemented in Portland Trust’s other programs. The unique mentoring model we developed focuses on harnessing and empowering existing community forces. The Mentoring program was formulated based on Portland Trust’s “Community Model”, and it leverages local talents to create significant impact for both mentees and mentors, and the community as a whole.
The program offers a unique model precisely tailored to participants’ needs for integration and advancement in the software testing world. Athar initiative participants undergo an intensive technological training program. Throughout the 4-month training, each participant receives a personal mentor who accompanies her weekly and supports her in the learning process and preparation for high-tech job integration.
The mentors also receive guidance and instruction from professional volunteers who prepare them for the process, backed by the CTO of the initiatives and Portland Trust. The weekly meetings with mentors are an opportunity to dive deep into the professional challenges of the software world. Mentors work together with mentees on developing technical skills, deep understanding of methodologies, use of advanced technological tools, and improving ability to handle real-world scenarios.
Peer Learning with Added Value – Mentoring That Goes Far Beyond Guidance
The program distinguishes itself through its innovative approach: instead of relying on external industry mentors, the program positions Fursa initiative graduates – software engineers with computer science, software engineering, and information systems degrees – who have already broken through in the high-tech industry with over two years of employment experience in the Israeli high-tech market. They not only accompany participants professionally but also bring understanding of the unique challenges they faced and how to overcome them as juniors.
This peer-learning based model creates an ecology where young Bedouin women can grow through dialogue with mentors who are similar to them and share the same professional language and similar cultural background. Research indicates that peer learning, based on equality and mutual understanding, encourages creativity, increases motivation, and significantly improves results compared to learning from external authority figures.
An Investment That Gives Back to the Community
Beyond the professional aspect, the mentoring program is anchored in a community value concept. The mentors, who themselves went through training in the Fursa initiative after their academic studies, give back to the community from which they grew. This not only strengthens the sense of mutual responsibility, but also serves as a living example of the impact of investment and hard work.
Creating Systemic Change
The program doesn’t just focus on professional development of software testing course participants but aims to change the entire ecosystem. Making local talent accessible to leading high-tech companies isn’t just a solution to the shortage of quality workers but also a tool for deep social and economic integration. Through this approach, Fursa and Athar create a reality where diversity and inclusion aren’t just social values but engines for creating distinct competitive advantage.
Long-term Impact
The Portland Trust initiatives’ mentoring program, implemented here for the first time, isn’t just a personal path to success but an engine for social change. The program realizes a far-reaching vision showing how local resources can be leveraged, excellence fostered, and a new standard set for integrating the periphery into the center of the Israeli economy. Through community empowerment, peer learning, and investment in local talent, the program creates more than jobs – it generates opportunities, builds communities, and shapes a future where the voice of every underrepresented society is heard and present.
