Theory of Change, Goals and Values | Lissan ליסאן لسان

Lissan's Theory of Change

At Lissan, we believe that language has the power to change lives, strengthen communities, and drive social and institutional change in Jerusalem.

Language is not only a means of communication, it is also a key to access, participation, and equality.

Our work is grounded in three interconnected pillars that together drive a continuous process of change:

Language as a pathway to confidence and independence

If we create a supportive space for Palestinian women in East Jerusalem, and provide them with:

Practical language and communication skills
Knowledge of their rights and familiarity with public systems
Tools for entering the workforce and for personal and professional growth

Then women will be better equipped to navigate everyday life with confidence, act independently in Jerusalem’s public spaces, and gain meaningful access to rights, resources, and opportunities.

A Circle of Change

Together, these three pillars form a continuous circle of change:

confident women strengthen communities → communities build trust → and institutions pave the way for equality in practice.

Lissan's Goals

Provide practical Hebrew language skills to Palestinian women from East Jerusalem, enabling independence, access to rights, and integration into higher education and employment.
Build and sustain a shared, active, multicultural community of Palestinian and Jewish women and men working to advance social and gender justice in Jerusalem.
Lead a professional team of Hebrew teachers with strong pedagogical skills and cultural competence, grounded in an understanding of the realities of East Jerusalem.
Develop unique pedagogy and teaching materials based on on-the-ground needs and tailored to communities facing language barriers.
Increase awareness among authorities and decision-makers of the needs of Palestinian communities in East Jerusalem, and work to reduce disparities between East and West Jerusalem.

Our Guiding Principles

Community-Driven Practice

Lissan’s work is grounded in ongoing listening to the needs expressed by our students and the communities we work with. Our programs, content, and teaching materials are developed and continuously refined based on on-the-ground feedback, ensuring relevance and meaningful impact.