Project Leads:
Prof. Avi Sagi-Schwartz – Head of the Interdisciplinary Program in Early Childhood Development and Education in Developing Countries; Director, Center for the Study of Child Development
Prof. Yair Ziv – Head of the Department of Counseling and Human Development, Faculty of Education.
This initiative transforms the final projects of graduates in a unique interdisciplinary program in Early Childhood Development and Education in developing countries into actionable pathways for advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals. By equipping international students with cutting-edge knowledge and supporting them in implementing impact-driven projects upon returning to their home countries, the program fosters sustainable, locally rooted changes in education, welfare, and child development systems. Through strong partnerships with government bodies, diplomatic missions, global foundations, and international organizations, the initiative amplifies academic knowledge into measurable global impact, positioning the University as a catalyst for long-term, cross-border sustainable development.
This project was selected as part of the University’s 2024 Call for Impact Projects, launched by the Division of Innovation & Sustainability to promote research and educational initiatives with significant social and environmental impact. Following a highly competitive selection process, each awarded project received ₪50,000 for a 24-month period to support interdisciplinary collaboration and translate academic knowledge into real-world outcomes.