The Village Way: Educating Towards a Life of Meaning

In this book, Dotan Levi offers a compelling and deeply personal guide for educators, mentors, and anyone working with youth, especially those navigating adversity. Drawing from his experience as the current director of the Village Way Educational Institute, Levi shares the foundational principles and real-world practices of a philosophy that has transformed the lives of thousands of teens across Israel.

Rooted in the belief that "it takes a village to raise a child," The Village Way lays out a powerful and holistic framework for education that goes far beyond academics. Levi weaves together educational theory, lived experience, and stories from the field to introduce a model that helps youth reclaim their identities, build resilience, and envision hopeful, meaningful futures.

More than a manual, The Village Way is a call to reflect, connect, and act with authenticity and heart. It challenges conventional approaches to discipline, learning, and institutional culture by replacing them with empathy, community, and meaning. Whether you are a seasoned educator, parent, social worker, or simply someone who believes in the potential of young people, this book offers a path forward, one grounded in compassion and guided by purpose.

The Village Way was developed over decades at Yemin Orde Youth Village and is now implemented nationwide through Village Way Educational Initiatives, with support from ImpactIsrael.