In January we began teaching English twice a week at the Jewish Agency for Israel's community center. The Jewish Agency's work in Gonder revolves around preparing the Fela Moras (Ethiopians of Jewish ancestry) for aliyah and absorption in Israel while the JDC provides medical support for the population through its health clinic. The Jewish Agency runs a primary school with a comprehensive curriculum for roughly 700 children and oversees additional Hebrew, English, and math courses at the community center. Approximately 200 children attend the classes at the community center; many also attend the primary school. There is a revolving group of Israeli volunteers who come to Gonder for a few months to teach at the primary school and community center as well as organize religious and cultural events.
The community center is the religious and social heart of life in Gonder for the Fela Moras. It's a welcoming retreat from the city that is always bustling with activity. We are always greeted by children shrieking "Shalom" and calling us over to test our Hebrew or Amharic, shake our hands, or play games with us. I teach a group of about 10 to 15 young adults. Compared to my classes at Fasiledes General Secondary School, which have 50 to 60 students in each of the classes, the Jewish Agency classes are much smaller and more manageable. This has allowed me to build strong personal relationships with my students and develop an exchange of ideas. My students love learning about the United States, Israel, and Western culture and obtaining my insight. They are inquisitive, enthusiastic, and appreciative. It has been surprising and comforting to find a Jewish community so far from home.
Celebrating Purim at the Jewish Agency Community Center
Making Hamantaschen (Oznei Haman)
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