Fully staffed schools for hospitalized children

SASA Setton is a social-educational organization, in partnership with the Education Ministry, that promotes education for hospitalized children in Israel. 

Established in 2009 by the late Philippe and Hilda Setton, the organization provides educational solutions for 140,000 hospitalized children annually in 41 general, psychiatric, rehabilitative and nursing hospitals.

Since its inception, SASA Setton has provided educational solutions to nearly two million hospitalized children from all parts of Isociety in every hospital in Israel.

The organization views hospital schools as a microcosm of society. Diversity is celebrated, and its educational programming is designed to create bridges between groups. There are programs in Hebrew, English, Arabic and Ukrainian.

Deputy chair to participate in panel discussion at the Post's "Celebrate The Faces of Israel"

Sonia Gomes de Mesquita, deputy chair of SASA Setton, and the donor family’s representative will participate in a panel discussion at The Jerusalem Post’s “Celebrate The Faces Of Israel” conference on Thursday, April 27, at the Museum of Tolerance Jerusalem.

Gomes de Mesquita says, “SASA Setton was established by the late Philippe and Hilda Setton, founders and honorary presidents of the organization. Their personal story inspired them to dedicate their lives to improving the welfare of hospitalized children by ensuring they receive an education and do not fall behind during their hospitalization. Israel has taken this one step forward by enacting the Mandatory Education for Hospitalized Children Law, which mandates fully staffed schools in every hospital to meet the needs of every hospitalized child. We are proud to lead this vital organization in partnership with the Education Ministry.”

Director-General Etty Avny adds, “SASA Setton provides a protective environment for hospitalized children for three types of schools adapted to different types of hospitalization – Afternoon Schools, that offer educational enrichment programs in the afternoons; the Schools of Light, that offer programs for children in rehabilitative and complex nursing hospitals; and the Schools of Life, which offers year-round educational programs for children hospitalized for extended periods in psychiatric wards. 

The organization operates forty-one schools, utilizing National Service Volunteers, and offers educational classes, an interactive website, educational centers, seminars, and individual accompaniment, matched to the child’s hospitalization.

More information about SASA Setton is available at https://sasasetton.org.il/