Shitufim | Resilience spaces in the North

School Resilience spaces: Supporting Children in Northern Israel

Creating safe spaces for children post-war

As part of a unique national initiative led by the Shitufim organization in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, we at Pausa Production House are honored to take part in a vital mission: the planning, design, and establishment of approximately 40 “Resilience spaces” in elementary schools along Israel’s northern border, following the events of the “octobet 7th” war.

“A project of profound national significance, its mission is to create a safe, supportive space for children—a place to find calm and rebuild the foundations of their personal and social security.”

What is a “Resilience space”?

A Resilience space is a dedicated space that provides children, teachers, and the community with emotional, educational, and social tools to cope with stress and uncertainty. These spaces integrate:

• Sensory Design: Environments crafted to soothe and regulate.

• Interactive Technology: Engaging tools for emotional expression.

• Gentle Physical Activity: Areas designed for movement and release.

• Calming Aesthetic Elements: Creating a sanctuary within the school.

The result is a holistic environment that allows children to find a place of peace and safety within the school grounds, helping them build personal resilience that will serve them long into the future.

Our Partners 

Shitufim Organization

Shitufim is the lead organization driving this initiative. The organization specializes in creating cross-sector collaborations in Israel—bridging government, local authorities, civil society, and the business sector to promote large-scale national goals.

In the Resilience spaces project, Shitufim acts as the central coordinator, ensuring seamless cooperation between all parties while tailoring the project to the specific needs of local communities.

The Ministry of Education

The Ministry of Education is the primary government partner for this project. The Ministry provides the educational framework, pedagogical requirements, and ongoing support for school principals and teaching staff.

The Ministry views this project as a key component of a broader vision: creating an adaptable education system that addresses not only academic learning but also the social and emotional well-being  of its students.

 

Our Role: Turning Vision into Reality

At Pausa production house, we are responsible for the comprehensive design, planning, and on-site establishment of the Resilience spaces. Leveraging our extensive experience in creating visitor centers and interactive experiential spaces, we provide each space with a unique character that integrates:

• Experiential & Sensory Design: A calming, safe atmosphere specifically tailored to children’s emotional needs.

• Full On-Site Implementation: Utilizing high-quality materials, customized furniture, and therapeutic lighting.

• Interactive Components: Experience-based technologies and tools designed for both individual and group activities.

• Pedagogical Alignment: Close collaboration with educational consultants and therapists to create a supportive therapeutic-educational environment.

• Community-Focused Execution: Adapting each space to the specific needs and characteristics of the local school community.

 

Why This Matters?

Children in Northern Israel face a complex reality under continuous threat. This project provides them with more than just a safe physical space; it equips them with emotional and social tools for life.

These spaces contribute to the children’s peace of mind, empower teaching staff, and give the community a sense of being seen, heard, and supported.

 

Looking Forward

The establishment of these 40 Resilience spaces is just the beginning. We believe the success of this initiative in the North will serve as a blueprint for other regions across Israel, fostering an education system that values emotional resilience as much as academic achievement.

✨ Pausa Production House is proud to partner with Shitufim and the Ministry of Education in this national mission to strengthen the resilience of Israel’s children.

 

The Pausa production house Project Team:

• Creative Director: Yigal Ohanna

• Project Management: Gali Dvir & Aviran Shaham

• Architects: Michal Schwartz & Sivan Oland

• Graphic Design: Keren Ozan

• Operations Management: Porat Avigal

• And dozens of dedicated team members, freelancers, and exceptional service providers.