About the Head Start Program
ITEC’s Head Start Program was founded by Andy Ram, ITEC alumni and 3-time Grand Slam Doubles Champion, in honor of his father Ami Ram z”l, to strengthen communities by providing opportunities for children living in disadvantaged areas to have access to learn and play tennis.
The program combines tennis training with enrichment activities, aiming to improve self-esteem, foster a sense of belonging and identity, achieve personal and group empowerment, and reduce social gaps. The structured program involves three tennis training sessions per week, designed not only to enhance physical fitness but also to teach valuable life skills such as discipline, perseverance, and teamwork.
Over 100 children have participated in Head Start at ITEC centers in Kiryat Shmona, Tiberias, Ofakim, Arad, and Galilee-Sajur. Participants have shown significant improvements in dealing with difficult situations, setting boundaries, and cooperating with their peers.