Building the Future from the Very Beginning

A Month of Leadership, Excellence, and Professional Pride in WIZO’s Early Childhood Framework

The past month highlighted the strength and depth of WIZO’s early childhood work, bringing together leadership development, academic achievement, and professional celebration across its daycare network. Each milestone reflected the same guiding principle: investing in the people who shape children’s earliest years is an investment in society’s future.

That commitment was clearly felt during a dedicated study day for WIZO daycare directors, held under the theme “Daycare Director. Educational Leader. Future Builder.” The day was devoted to the women who lead WIZO’s daycare centers and carry daily responsibility for educational quality, team leadership, and community impact.

Drawing inspiration from trailblazing women such as WIZO founder Rebecca Sieff, Henrietta Szold, Alice Miller, Rona Ramon, and Dr. Aliza Bloch, the program emphasized the power of educational leadership in shaping generations to come.

Senior WIZO leadership joined the event, including WIZO Chairperson Anita Friedman, Chairperson of the Early Childhood Division Prof. Lea Kacen, WIZO CEO Marsel Asulin, and Chairperson of the Workers’ Organization Rachel Miron. During the day, incoming Head of the Early Childhood Division, Keren Kamirinsky, presented her educational vision for high-quality early childhood education rooted in WIZO’s values, highlighting the wide-reaching influence of daycare directors on children, staff, families, and the broader community.

The program combined inspiration and reflection with moments of connection and joy. Participants heard from Michal Dalyot, one of Israel’s most prominent parenting experts, a certified family counselor, author, and media figure, who spoke about the director’s role as both leader and role model. Educator Jonathan Doron shared his personal story as a graduate of WIZO Hadassim Youth Village, offering a powerful reminder of the long-term impact of strong educational frameworks. The day concluded with a stand-up performance by comedian Anat Aviad, adding warmth, humor, and a sense of shared experience.

The emphasis on leadership and professional growth continued beyond the study day and was reflected in an important academic achievement. At a recent ceremony held by the Levinsky–Wingate Academic Center, scholarships for excellence were awarded to outstanding students in early childhood education programs. Among the 22 recipients were two WIZO Daycare employees from the first cohort of WIZO’s unique B.ed program in Early Childhood Education, developed in partnership with the academic center.

Olga Margolis of the WIZO Ramat Beit Hakerem Daycare in Jerusalem and Yaffa Davidov of the WIZO Rafael Daycare in Haifa both received the Dean’s Scholarship for outstanding academic achievement for the 2024–2025 academic year. Their success reflects not only personal dedication and academic excellence, but also WIZO’s broader commitment to strengthening early childhood education through academic training, professional development, and long-term investment in its teams.

That same spirit of professionalism and pride was also evident in a very different setting—the annual conference for WIZO daycare cooks. This year’s gathering took place in an energetic and creative format inspired by a “Iron Chef” culinary challenge. The day opened with a professional lecture on kitchen procedures, sanitation, and safety, before participants were divided into teams led by an experienced chef. Each team was challenged to create high-quality dishes from a limited selection of ingredients.

The results were impressive, earning praise from the judges for creativity, presentation, and depth of flavour. One team was crowned the winner and received a prize, but the real achievement was the sense of unity, mutual respect, and collective pride that filled the room. The conference underscored the essential role of WIZO’s kitchen teams in providing safe, nutritious, and high-quality meals, an integral part of early childhood care and wellbeing.

Together, these moments form a continuous story of leadership, learning, and dedication. Across classrooms, lecture halls, and kitchens, WIZO’s early childhood professionals continue to build strong foundations—ensuring that every child receives the best possible start, and that those who care for them are supported, valued, and inspired.