Throughout this academic year, the Levi Yitzchak Schneerson Jewish Lyceum No. 144, a leading educational institution of the Dnipro Jewish Community, has been implementing the “GPS of the Soul” project (often called “GPS soul”) on the initiative of its Jewish Studies department.
Within the framework of the project, students collect points, called “GPS points” this year. These points can be earned by performing actions approved by the lyceum: participating in prayers, adhering to the dress code of tzeniut (modesty), reciting Birkat HaMazon, performing good deeds, and other acts that fall into the category of “good deeds”. The accumulated “GPS points” can be used during the regular “School Store” event, where students can exchange their points for various kosher treats, souvenirs, stationery, and (if enough points are collected) excellent items like headphones, portable speakers, power banks, and more.
“Such a motivational system helps children strive for better daily – in their studies, prayer, and behavior,” says Leah Lazareva, a teacher in the Jewish Studies department. “The ‘School Store’ event is always very vibrant, and the children choose their gifts with great enthusiasm. The atmosphere of joy and accomplishment fills the entire lyceum.”
This month, a very inspiring story occurred during the project’s implementation, the details of which Leah Lazareva shared with our website: “One of the students really wanted to receive a prize – a music speaker. However, he fell a little short on points. But he took upon himself an achla tova (a good resolution): to pray attentively every day with a Siddur. And he truly kept his word. Now his prayer has become completely different: calm, focused, with the correct order and respect – his hand is in place, his finger follows the text – he’s simply an example for everyone! And the administration decided to support his effort, so the speaker became a reward for genuine internal work. Sometimes one small resolution changes a child more than dozens of points.”
The implementation of the “GPS of the Soul” initiative at the Jewish Lyceum is made possible thanks to the support of the Dnipro Jewish Community under the leadership of Chief Rabbi Shmuel Kaminezki.
