Ethnic Programs
Volunteer program for Children of Ethiopian descent
In 2004 we inaugurated a volunteer program whereby girls’ ages 12-13 could volunteer to help out at the community school project for new immigrants of Ethiopian descent, ages 6-10. Many of these children have a serious cultural and language barrier which hampers their adjustment to life in Israeli society. These young girls collect the children at the end of the school day and take them to the play center, where they play or help them do their homework, talk, just hang out and then serve them supper (pizza, hamburgers, etc.) The children can hardly wait for the day of the week when these dedicated girls comes to meet them to spend time together. They crave just another slice of pizza. Their yearning for more time together is abundantly evident
Spiritual, Cultural and Social Center for Ethiopians
In 2002 we opened a spiritual, cultural and social center for Ethiopians in Ma’aleh Adumim In cooperation with the municipal social welfare bureau we were able to identify a very urgent need expressed by the Ethiopian community for a spiritual , cultural, social center where they could meet to address their needs on both happy and sad occasions. The many needs of their aging population also required an outlet. We obtained two large prefab structures, equipped them with everything that was needed (furniture, electric appliances), while the women decorated with traditional crafts. The place has become a welcome one where members of the Ethiopian community of all ages can go and feel at home. In the morning hours women engage in a variety of activities while later on the youth stop by. The hall is also used for celebrations, prayer and other ceremonies.
