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Bosmat Maoz, a veteran special education professional, with over
two decades of field experience and who had been principal of the
elementary school in Kibbutz Mesilot was selected in September 2013
as principal of the new Benjamin Rothman Kadoorie School. She had
a year during which the school was being built and before the first
students arrived to set out her educational philosophy. Maoz had a
unique opportunity, and challenge, to create a nurturing and protective
environment for the children suffering from autism, which at the same
time would allow them to become an integral part of the wider
Kadoorie community.
“The steering committee had set out a clear vision that we were to be
part of the youth village and take full advantage of all the facilities that
Kadoorie has to offer” says Maoz. “But we had always to be aware that
integration is never a simple process for our students who are on the
autism spectrum. Our decision was to keep the Benjamin Rothman
building separate from other buildings on campus, so the children would
have the feeling of permanency and constancy, which is so essential for
them. But at the same time find as many possible ways of bringing them
gradually in contact with the rest of the student body, such as using
the dining halls, sport facilities and the agricultural education areas and
participating in school events”.
“Kadoorie’s overriding vision has always been that we are a school
which serves many different social groups” explains Dalit Avigad,
principal of Kadoorie’s High School. “It was clear that the process of
integrating Benjamin Rothman would not only involve the new school’s
faculty and students, but also everyone in the main school. They are
all part of our community and have to be prepared to live and study
together, despite the difference and difficulties. This is a home for all of
our students”.
The first students arrived in September 2014 and the school year began
in a temporary building. Two months later, they moved in to the new
building and the Benjamin Rothman School was dedicated.
“Multi-culturalism and
welcoming children of
all religions and social
backgrounds has always
been part of Kadoorie’s
DNA. It was a natural for
us to take on this project”
Roy Bar Ilan, Kadoorie Village CEO
“The steering committee
had set out a clear vision
that we were to be part
of the youth village and
take full advantage of all
the benefits Kadoorie
has to offer”
Bosmat Maoz, Principal
Building an
educational
ethos