Student Media Services | SMS

We leverage the significant talents of Jerusalemite digital arts students to provide affordable media services for local NGOs. SMS enhances NGO advocacy and outreach while offering students valuable experience in their future careers and opportunities to engage in impactful social initiatives.

Project Details

The SMS project is a collaboration between Betzalel Academy of Art and Design and Sam Spiegel Film School students, two of Israel’s leading institutions for visual media education. Students receive scholarships, credit points, and stipends to work with various NGOs to help curate media production projects such as advertisements, campaign videos, website design, social media content, animation, graphic design and event photography.

We offer a range of affordable, professional media production services tailored to the region's major demographics: Haredi, Arab, and the ‘general’ Israeli population. 0202 is a unique hub connecting students driven to make a social impact with NGOs seeking high-quality, affordable visual media services to amplify their reach.

Students in Action

The initiative offers a unique combination of academic learning and practical experience, equipping students with filmmaking, storytelling, digital media production, and project management skills. These competencies enhance student academic performance and provide valuable assets for their future careers. Through their work with various NGOs, the students will be encouraged to explore and understand the complexities of the region's socio-political landscape, thus becoming informed and engaged advocates for change.

The program seeks to cultivate a sense of agency and responsibility among Jerusalemite youth. We strive to foster a new generation of media professionals who are not only experts in their craft but also deeply committed to advancing community progress, tolerance, and mutual understanding across the region.

Documentary Series 'In Its Heart'

Our team of talented film students produced a documentary series capturing the impact of the war from the unique perspectives of organizations working in Jerusalem. This series offers an alternative narrative of tolerance and co-existence. Each episode raises public awareness of these organisations' vital work to foster peace and understanding, inspiring support for their essential mission. Watch the first episode here, which has already received over 30,000 views online.

Context and Need

Of the over 20,000 nonprofit organisations active in Israel, 23% are based in Jerusalem, making it the city with the highest concentration of ‘third sector’ activity in the country. Despite this volume, budget constraints often limit nonprofits' ability to invest in media development. Media is crucial for expanding the influence of NGOs. There is a critical shortage of affordable options for producing professional visual media content to communicate their missions effectively and mobilize community support. This often leads to pressing community issues being overlooked or inaccessible to public and governmental attention, drastically reducing the efficacy of nonprofit efforts to drive meaningful change.

Grounded in strategic partnerships and collaborations, the SMS program leverages the power of media to strengthen networks of students and organizations dedicated to promoting peace and positive societal development in the region.

Part of an organization interested in receiving our services?

Please contact us at info@0202updates.org to set up a free consultation meeting.