Mechina

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A mechina kdam-tzvait (Hebrew: מכינה קדם צבאית; "pre-military preparatory", plural מכינות‎ mechinot) is an autonomous unit of specialized educational institutions valuing non-formal education and pre-military training in Israel. They are funded and supported by the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Defense, as well as by the Israel Defense Forces. As of 2017, there were 46 mechinot, whose mission is to prepare for conscientious service in the army and to educate leaders of local communities that have the ability to affect society and state. Educational program blocks mostly include Judaism and Jewish identity, Zionism, development of leadership skills, volunteering, and elements of military training. Most mechina programs last one academic year.