Stories and Pathways

Everyday, Ethiopian students in Gedera get out of class in the early afternoon, and face the task of occupying themselves. At a loss f or productive programming, some have chosen the less respectable road. However, thanks to ENP , there's the מרכז נוער, Youth Center, that opens at 4pm, and offers a spacious gaming room with a pool table and lounge chairs, a computer room where children can play computer games and browse, as well as athletic programs. The Center gets 100-130 students each day. I had conversations with a ninth grader and a twelfth grader, who described the social situation in the area, and the success of the Youth Center in keeping children off the streets. Also, twice a week Scholastic Assistance classed are offered to help students with homework. They also discussed a youth leadership program where some of the children can develop programming ideas and then apply for funding and make their dreams realities. The ENP Field Coordinator was very helpful in intro...

This was my first experience in an Ethiopian-Israeli community. I arranged to meet the ENP Field Coordinator at the local Community Center in Beit Shemesh , and once I arrived I discovered that there was going to be a meeting with the parents in the community. Seeing the parents reflected just how distinctive this culture is from others in Israel. Tattoos on the forehead and jaw were common, and many men and woman had traditional garb, such as intricately designed shawls. All the women had covered heads, and the men either wore Jewish kippot or sports caps. Amharic was spoken language in the circles of adults prior to the event, but I had a short conversation with one mother in Hebrew. She had moved to Israel three years ago, and had learned Hebrew from her son, who was now fifteen years old and studying at a Yeshiva in Jerusalem. She did not know how to write Hebrew, though, and relied on her children for help. The ceremony itself was a meeting with the leaders of the community...