Afek is a non profit organization for Education, Culture and Welfare providing a wide variety of programs for children, teenagers and their families, in Kiryat Gat, in a framework of non formal education. Afek was established in 1998 by new immigrant teachers from FSU (Former Soviet Union) in Kiryat Gat with initial goal assisting to new immigrant children and families in their absorption into a new country and facilitating the process of their integration into Israeli society and culture. After ten years of work and following the current social demands, Afek has expanded the spectrum of its activities and today the organization provides its services to much broader society including different social layers and ethnic groups – both new immigrants and native Israeli residents. The programs include infants and toddlers, children and teenagers, women, disadvantaged families youth at risk - about 350 beneficiaries all together.

Most of Afek's programs, now, take place in "Shivtei Israel" community center located between the underprivileged neighborhoods “Zerah” and “Glikson”.  The programs in “Shivtei Israel” are many and different; from dance, art, music and theater classes to enriching and assistance lessons in major school disciplines; Afek also runs an afterschool care club for children from disadvantaged families, youth at risk projects, women activities, lectures, seminars for parents as well as summer camps organization and participation in cultural events, concerts and festivals.
 
As a grassroots organization operating in peripheral, south town we aware to a great need in development of the city and strengthening the local community which by majority  is considered disadvantaged. Accordingly, our governing principle is to strengthen Kiryat Gat community through empowerment of young generation and assistance to disadvantaged families all this through collaboration with local municipalities and other organization in the field.