Israeli Pride: WIZO Nir HaEmek Youth Village to Represent Israel at Global Conference in Japan

At WIZO Nir HaEmek Youth Village in Afula, environmental leadership is not just a class; it is a way of life.
This November, that spirit will shine on the world stage when teacher Sharon Nir-Inbar, Head of the Green Leadership Program, and student Noa Malka Bercovici (16) represent Israel at the Design for Change Global Conference in Japan.
They will join youth and educators from around the world to share innovative projects that prove one simple truth: young people can and do change the world.

A Local Problem Becomes a Global Idea

It all began beside the Kishon River, one of Israel’s main coastal rivers and, sadly, one of its most polluted. For decades, industrial waste and untreated sewage had turned the river into a toxic stream. When the students of Nir HaEmek’s Green Leadership Program learned about this environmental crisis, they didn’t want to just study it; they wanted to fix it.

Under Sharon’s guidance, they set out to design a nature-based solution that could help the river heal itself. Their idea: floating islands made of biodegradable materials and planted with aquatic vegetation that naturally absorb and filter pollutants.

“The students wanted to create something real, something that could make a visible impact,” says Sharon Nir-Inbar. “They combined environmental science, creativity, and technology, and the result is both simple and revolutionary.”

Innovation Rooted in Nature

The islands are built from sustainable, eco-friendly materials. On top of them grow Indian Canna plants, chosen for their unique ability to absorb harmful bacteria and heavy metals from the water. The roots of the plants act as natural filters, while the islands provide a floating habitat that encourages biodiversity and supports aquatic life.

Before setting their prototype afloat, the students conducted weeks of experiments and water-quality tests to measure its effectiveness. They consulted research studies, worked with local environmental experts, and even used AI tools to help design and model the prototype structure. Their findings were remarkable. Within weeks, the test site in the Kishon showed signs of improvement in water clarity and biological balance.

“No one told us to build this,” says Noa. “We just saw a problem and decided to do something. We wanted people to be able to walk by the river and enjoy it again, clean, green, and full of life.”

From the Classroom to the World Stage

The Floating Islands project has already gained national attention. Earlier this year, the Nir HaEmek delegation presented it at Israel’s first National Youth Climate Conference, held at Ben-Gurion University in Be’er Sheva. There, the students shared their vision of combining science, education, and community responsibility to tackle climate change, alongside another project to create a regional youth leadership network for sustainability.

Dr. Saar Harel, Director of the Department for Residential and Settlement Education at the Ministry of Education, praised their achievement:

“This impressive initiative combines innovation, excellence, and social and environmental responsibility — values that reflect the spirit of WIZO Nir HaEmek and the educational leadership guiding it.”

A Young Leader with a Big Heart

For Noa Malka Bercovici, the journey began in middle school when she first joined the Green Leadership group. Over the years, she has led several environmental initiatives, including a project that successfully reduced methane emissions in the village cafeteria, earning her team first place in a national competition.

Her curiosity and dedication quickly stood out. Last year, she represented the school at a special event at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem, and when Ruthy, the head of the Israeli Design for Change organization, looked for a student to represent Israel internationally, Noa was the natural choice.

“She’s an exceptional student,” Sharon says proudly. “She’s bright, compassionate, creative, and she never stops asking how things can be improved. She’s a real example of leadership through action.”

Inspiring a Generation of Changemakers

Today, the students are preparing to travel to Japan, supported by the entire Nir HaEmek community. They are rehearsing their presentation, refining their data, and translating their passion into English so they can share their message with peers from around the world.

For them, this isn’t just about recognition; it is about sharing a story of hope. “Every big change starts small,” says Noa. “If we can clean one river, maybe others will too.”

Their project reminds us that education is most powerful when it empowers students to take responsibility, think creatively, and believe in their ability to make a difference.

From a small youth village in northern Israel to a global conference in Japan, Sharon and Noa are proving that the next generation of Israeli leaders isn’t waiting for change. They are creating it.