Amnon Shefler (2009 - 2010)
Israel
Amnon believes that a deeper understanding of society's problems and solid grounding in the relevant information will encourage and help people to make wiser and more effective contributions to society. He plans to establish an organization that will provide a knowledge base of important social topics, and a platform to support and promote social initiatives on various levels (strategic, administrative and financial) both in Israel and throughout the world.
Amnon was raised in a pioneer family whose members played important roles in the development of the foundations of the State of Israel, principally in the establishment of educational and medical programs and services. Amnon grew up with an abiding belief in the importance of taking action and responsibility for social and educational development. As a child he lived for four years in Caracas, Venezuela, where he studied in an international American school. Not only did this experience provide him with two more languages (English and Spanish) but it gave him the opportunity to improve his interpersonal skills with people from around the globe and different cultures. He learned to appreciate the added value derived from studying in a heterogenic environment - “that learning about a different society and culture is one of the best ways to understand how to improve my society.”
Believing in constant studying, research and questioning accepted wisdom, Amnon reads extensively, pursuing self-instruction in history, philosophy and social studies. His extensive travels across the globe – to over 40 countries on five continents – have helped him to expand his research and knowledge.
Over the eight years Amnon has served as an officer in the Israeli Air-Force (I.A.F), he received an award from the IAF commander for “being an education figure and role model” and several awards from other commanders and institutes recognizing his achievements as an officer, commander and instructor. During this time, he volunteered in a large youth educational center with over 500 students. His volunteer work consisted of promoting educational programs and physical training, and teaching the importance of contributing to society.
Amnon believes that a deeper understanding of society's problems and solid grounding in the relevant information will encourage and help people to make wiser and more effective contributions to society. Therefore he plans to establish an organization that will provide a knowledge base of important social topics, and a platform to support and promote social initiatives on various levels (strategic, administrative and financial) both in Israel and throughout the world.
As a Sauvé Scholar, Amnon will develop this project at all levels of the humanities and social sciences, while taking advantage of entrepreneurial development methods and organizational management tools. Professor Lynn Butler Kisber, the Director of the Centre for Educational Leadership, and of the Graduate Certificate Programs in Educational Leadership (who was also Mentor to Edward Vainker, 2008-2009 Scholar) will be Amnon's Academic Mentor as he pursues this objective. Whilst he prepares the strategic and work plans for the project execution, he will develop the networks, partnerships and support required for its successful start-up. He believes the Program is a perfect starting point for his transition from an officer and commander to a highly contributing civilian, and will provide an ideal base to pursue and implement his social vision. He looks forward to benefiting from highest quality professional studies together with an exceptional platform to share knowledge and promote ideas with mentors, recognized academics, key figures from the political and business fields. Last but not least, he expects to gain much from living and studying with his fellow Scholars, learning from and adding to their diverse experiences.
Following his 'amazing' year as a Sauvé Scholar, Amnon returns to Israel where, in the fall, he will undertake studies in political science and law at the Interdisciplinary Centre Herzliya, a private college that specializes in areas that will influence the country’s political and economic agenda.
