What's Happening?
The European Union has appointed Yitzik Crombie, a social and business entrepreneur, to the National Team of Higher Education Reform Experts (HERE), marking the first time a haredi (ultra-Orthodox) representative
has joined the forum. This team operates under the Erasmus+ program, which aims to bridge the gap between academia and the labor market by modernizing higher education systems. Crombie's role will involve developing teaching methods and integrating tools to equip students with skills relevant to today's job market. His appointment was approved by Israel's Education Minister Yoav Kisch and the European Union Ambassador to Israel, Michael Mann. Crombie, who is also the CEO of the MeGo project from the Kemach Foundation, brings experience in promoting employment and innovation, as well as connecting education systems with employers.
Why It's Important?
This appointment is significant as it represents a step towards greater social diversity and international representation in academic cooperation between the European Union and Israel. By including a haredi representative, the EU is acknowledging the importance of diverse perspectives in shaping educational reforms. This move could potentially lead to more inclusive policies that consider the needs of various communities, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of educational systems. For Israel, this collaboration with the EU could result in improved educational standards and better alignment of academic programs with industry needs, ultimately benefiting the Israeli economy by producing a workforce that is better prepared for the evolving job market.
What's Next?
Crombie will join a group of nine international experts tasked with leading changes in the education system. The team will work on aligning academic degrees with industry needs, which may involve developing new curricula and teaching methods. As the EU continues to emphasize academic cooperation with Israel, further initiatives may be launched to strengthen ties and promote innovation in education. Stakeholders, including educational institutions and employers, will likely monitor the outcomes of these reforms to assess their impact on the job market and economic growth.
