Riding course for Rafi

Even at the young age of 16, Rafi is inspiring.

Rafi’s parents both work as DJs. During the pandemic, they had little work and their financial situation became quite dire. They are raising six children and had to take out numerous loans in order to cover their cost of living. They are still trying to get back on their feet.

Rafi himself has faced numerous challenges. At a young age, he was witness to some difficult situations – substance abuse by his parents and extreme outbursts of anger on the part of his father. He was raised in an unstable and tense environment. Rafi also struggled with being overweight and, at one point, became involved with drugs and alcohol.

Finding himself with few friends and very low self-esteem, Rafi decided to take his life in hand. He stopped using drugs and alcohol, changed his eating habits and began an exercise regimen. He lost a lot of weight, his self-confidence blossomed, and he began building a social life.

Rafi never adapted to the local school. In 10th grade, he moved to a boarding school at a village for at-risk youth. Even there, he had trouble sitting through classes. He ended up “finding himself” at the horse farm in the village. The positive impact of animal therapy allowed him to advance in other areas as well. Today, Rafi is a changed person.

Rafi’s dream is to certify as a riding instructor. He has proven over and over that once he sets his mind to something, he can achieve it. Unfortunately, however, Rafi’s parents cannot afford to pay the course tuition. Rafi has money saved that he was planning to use towards driving lessons, but now he will use to pay what he can for the riding instructor course tuition. He is still short of being able to pay the full amount, however

With a little bit of help, this amazing young man can continue to pursue a stable and independent future.