Diller Teen Fellowship coming to Australia
An American based-program specially crafted to create an international network of Jewish teenagers to serve as effective leaders is to be launched in Australia.
On the Diller program
The International Diller Teen Fellows program is one of the world’s most respected leadership and cultural exchange opportunities for Jewish teenagers. There is a one year curriculum of workshops, community service and international travel. The program opens the door to a deeply personal and life changing exploration of Jewish identity and provides tools for leadership and activism.
Diller Group says: – “The depth of the program… together with a focus on experiential learning, creates an enduring impact on participants and their families, building leaders with the power to change the world.”
It is a highly selective, pluralistic program that will bring twenty year 9 and 10 students from Melbourne together with twenty from the Golan every year. The Zionist Federation of Australia will recruit participants from the Jewish Day schools as well as from non-Jewish schools who represent various denominations and cultural backgrounds – right, left, secular, progressive and orthodox. The ZFA is also actively recruiting a program coordinator to spearhead this fellowship in Australia.
Throughout the year the Diller Teens will participate in educational workshops and weekend retreats. They will work together to create and implement social service projects. This will include the Melbourne community hosting a 10 day exchange program with their Israeli peers from the Golan.
The highlight of the program is a three week seminar in Israel – the Diller Teen Leadership Congress, which includes all Diller Teen Fellows from across Diaspora and Israeli communities.
Diller Teen Fellows and alumni (there are over 2000) are encouraged to form an international network of Jewish leaders who will creatively and collaboratively engage in activism and community leadership.
ZFA Executive Director Ginette Searle says: – “This program is an international leadership program for Jewish teenagers. It empowers participants to be active, effective leaders with a strong Jewish and Zionist identity. Diller Teen alumni are known for showcasing a commitment to tikkun olam, a sense of belonging and responsibility to their communities, Israel and to the Jewish people. We at the ZFA believe this initiative is imperative to our Sydney and global Jewish community.
At a time when it is increasingly difficult to engage young adults in Jewish and Israel-related activity, the potential of a program, which provides tools, knowledge and importantly motivation for young leaders to take continuing active roles is priceless.”
