You know that ESRA’s projects are succeeding when every project coordinator says…..”Yes, I know there are over 30 projects, but MY ONE is the most important” –  how can anything go wrong with such terrific, invested volunteers?

And here are some of the stories…….

STUDENTS BUILD A NEIGHBORHOOD

These projects are run in partnership with the local municipalities and community centers.

Kfar Saba by Gert Goldstein

The 10 students and their 28 pupils celebrated the end of a successful year with an exciting outing to Kibbutz Gan Shmuel.  After a delicious picnic on the lawn, each participant was given a T-shirt bearing the ESRA logo.  They all piled onto tractors for a tour of the kibbutz with explanations at each site – the cowsheds, fish ponds and others.  

A seminar on juggling was given by three young kibbutzniks.  Each child was taught how to juggle - balls, plates, diabolo spools - they loved it and didn't want to stop!  But the afternoon was ending and there was yet another treat awaiting them back in Kfar Saba.  The parents had arranged a surprise party at the Ethiopian Community Center for the tired but happy group. A great way to end the day and the year.

Herzliya by Annette Lavender

The Yad HaTisha neighborhood of Herzliya was this year’s exciting addition to ESRA’s “Students Build a Neighborhood” project. The first year has been a resounding success.  The six students from the Interdisciplinary Center (IDC) Herzliya received their accommodation in return for working with three children, each for two hours per week per child aged 11-14. In addition, the 'Project' was active in neighborhood events such as the Purimon. The children have benefitted from the program, both scholastically and socially.During the year they have been to the “Dialogue in the Dark" at Holon Children's Museum and an evening trip to Jerusalem.

Hefzibah, Netanya by Aliza Marks

One of the more positive aspects of working with youth is the constant development of ideas and putting them into practise. Nowhere else is this more apparent than the Hefzibah Students project. The enthusiasm of the students guided and directed by Jacki Edri, the project coordinator, has injected into the project an ongoing 'heartbeat' to the benefit of students, children and the community. Twelve students coaching three or four children each for about eight hours weekly can make a difference - the results are there.

 This year has seen the group prepare a community garden, a batmitzvah celebration for eight girls and a book project. The books were displayed at an exhibition in August for the whole community. This has been a particularly effective project in  getting the children and parents to communicate with one another, and in instilling in these children a sense of their heritage and a connection to their roots.

The summer holidays are crammed with educational and other activities organized by the students, and we look forward to even better and bigger strides forward next year.

Bayit Cham – “A Warm Home”Herzliya by Irene Myron 

The official opening of one of ESRA’s newest projects, Bayit Cham Herzliya, took place in an atmosphere of excitement and anticipation.  Twice a week 12-16 'at risk' teenage girls come to this home. They receive a hot meal prepared on the premises. The kind and loving staff  and volunteers, the bright colors and light rooms, the lovely make-up cupboard filled with girlie things and the excellent social activities provided by the Herzliya Municipality and its welfare department, make it a really welcoming home for the girls.

Yael German, Mayor of Herzliya, officially opened the center, the girls gave beautiful speeches and the home-made food was a treat! 

Netanya by Esther Tolkin 

At last… it all came together. The last bits of furniture – small tables, chairs, sofas, modern shades and curtains for the windows, pictures for the walls and knick-knacks for the kitchen FINALLY arrived from the supplier and immediately found their home in the empty spaces of the renovated "Bayit Cham" in Kiryat Nordau, Netanya.  Now, as one steps into the the very large room, one is assailed by a warm welcoming ambience and an invitation to "come in and get to know us, we are a home away from home". Here are corners to lie around with friends on low sofas and poufs, or a lounge with coffee tables to enjoy TV, a movie, board games or an informal chat with the instructor at the end of the day; a well-lit and smiley computer room, a spacious activity room for group activities and homework; a very aesthetic dining area adjacent to a spacious, bright kitchen. Well balanced and delicious lunches (provided by ESRA) are eaten together with the staff around a long wooden table, on glass crockery and at a set hour. Lunch time is for feeding the body and the soul.

At last….after months of waiting and of coping with various challenges, the "Bayit Cham" girls, staff and volunteers inaugurated the new facility on June 12 and affixed beautiful ESRA mezuzot on all the doorposts.

We looked around, listened and learnt that 35-40 teenage girls attend per week and participate in a rich, professional program that aims to provide them with enabling experiences that help develop their potential and become positively functioning people. The mothers are being drawn into the program. As we smelled, saw and tasted the delicious foods prepared and beautifully set out on the table by the girls, we enjoyed every bite with the feeling that this place was undoubtedly a "Safe Haven".

Nativ Moadonit by Irene Myron

The after school center for children with severe behavioral problems held a successful end of year party. The parents joined the children and staff for a display of amazing clocks that the children had made (they actually worked!) and also some fantastic battery-operated cars. There was a very enjoyable demonstration of martial arts in which the children participated, and of course refreshments with cakes made by the children themselves in their cookery class - very tasty too.

ESRA’s Ruppin Marine Science Project of Excellence by Sima Unger

Students ride the waves of success

The end of year ceremony for the 18 Ethiopian teenagers was one to be remembered. Against the magical backdrop of the sea, the excitement of the participants, their parents, the teachers, administrators and ESRA members was tangible.

The unique program, for these 6th grade highly motivated youth included 20 meetings throughout the year. The students enjoyed the challenging academic classes, which opened a window to the sciences in general and ocean science in particular. Equally important objectives: strengthening their sense of worth, building a positive image and improving the self-confidence of each student.

The participants report that the empowerment and success they experienced impacted on their lives in many other directions too. Having faith in their ability, and understanding that the responsibility for their future is in their own hands has already led to considerable academic achievements. Their dream is to continue to enjoy personal success and use the tools they have received to make positive decisions about their lives as students, as citizens and in finding their paths for the future. 

Hefziba & Neot Shaked Girls dance at the Amphitheater in Netanya by Joan Weisman

Sunset:  The amphitheater at the sea in Netanya was filled with excited parents and families. Onto the stage walked Almaz, the beautiful, willowy teacher, mentor and role model, followed by her girls in their multicolored outfits.

The music was catchy, the audience was clapping, the girls excelled, their constant smiling faces reflecting their joy and delight. They danced a mixture of dances from different regions in Ethiopia.  Each girl got a chance to dance in front while doing the different movements that characterize a particular area.

Their joy and pride shone through their magnificent dancing.  No doubt they will get better and better as time goes on! 

Kfar Shmariyahu Social Club for Youth with Disabilities - Summer Outing by Noga Raz

Our final gathering this year took place at the dog farm of Tel Mond. The disabled youngsters were introduced to the dogs especially trained for rehabilitation and therapy purposes. The group soon made friends with the animals, patting them, hugging them and generally having lots of laughs, much excitement and great fun.The dogs, too, seemed to enjoy our youth tremendously.  

It was an afternoon of sheer joy for all participants - the disabled youth, the trainers, the volunteers and even for those who are otherwise afraid of dogs.  

The Computer Centers by Denise Sussman

To call the Computer Centers in the Neot Shaked and Hefzibah neighborhoods of Netanya a success is an understatement. Enthusiastic children (from first grade and upwards), and even more enthusiastic adults (from 50 up) arrive in their classes with smiles on their faces to tackle this new challenge. They are so keen to learn and are thrilled with every small advancement they make. It does my heart good to see how we, in ESRA, are helping them to 'keep up with the world' which is so important in this period of time, as they don't have the means to do it on their own.  

Maggal Riding Therapy for Children with Disabilities by Rimona Mizrachi 

Two short stories:

Nicole was unable to climb onto the horse for many months. When she finally did, it was a significant breakthrough in her progress, physically, mentally and socially.  Although she can walk with the aid of a walker, she is not stable, leans heavily on her hands and falls a lot. Her school physiotherapist writes: 'Over the past two months, since she has been able to mount the horse and ride, Nicole has made great strides forward in her walking. She is more upright, stable and faster. She falls much less often. I recommend her to continue this activity in the riding center in order to continue to improve her progress, and her independent walking and to postpone invasive surgery as much as possible.'

Oren’s walking pattern is disabled and clumsy. His walking is characterized by bent and twisted joints in his knees and thighs. As a result of the riding lessons there has been significant improvement in the range of movement of his knees and thighs. His walking is much more stable and faster. He is more active and participates more in class.   I recommend he continues this activity.  

Kfar Saba Sewing Center by Phyllis Bloch

It was a very special day at the new Ethiopian center in Kfar Saba. The members of the sewing group, their arms laden with homemade delicacies, injera, cake, challah, many delicious dips made of hummus and other spices, were joined by the members of the ESRA Kfar Saba committee who supplied the drinks, watermelon and grapes to make for a splendid feast. 

The main purpose of this event was a fashion show to view the very beautiful clothing completed during this session. The women modeled their colorful skirts and tops. The number one gentleman, Mr. Mabuza, modeled his Bermuda shorts with pockets in the latest fashion. 

After feasting and viewing, the group burst into the traditional Ethiopian folk dances. Laughter and fun were shared by all. It was truly a happening.  

NEVE ESRA Modiin by Cynthia Barmor 

ESRA Modiin has supported our afternoon care center for at-risk children for the past year and we have come a long way. Apart from the hot lunches funded by ESRA projects we saw the urgent need for a facilitator to supervise a parents’ support group. As the social worker noted: “to help the child, you must first reach out to his mother.” This energized us to raise funds by holding activities, opening a second-hand bookshop, and constantly seeking ways to enhance contributions, which included selling tickets to LOGON’s performance of South Pacific.  Then I met Laura Galinson, whose subsequent generosity proved to be an unbelievable boost and literally transformed the situation at NEVE ESRA. We were able to fund a facilitator for the parents’ support group for the coming three years, purchase furnishings and other houseware items as well as a computer, enhance the salary of an additional caregiver, fund special events during the summer vacation and afford didactic assessments for each child alongside tailor-made remedial teaching for the next year. Another welcome offshoot was the municipality’s undertaking to match our funds with an additional 25% to the budget.

NEVE ESRA’s end-of-the-year event was special and also paid tribute to Laura. 

A cookery class and live demonstration by a master chef in which the children and their parents participated, and which culminated in everyone enjoying the feast of goodies, among them bourekas such as I have never seen or tasted before (just scrumptious!) and chocolate mousse, berry pudding and meringues for dessert.

The event included greetings by the Deputy Mayor and a presentation of certificates of appreciation and a rose each for all the staff and volunteers. Laura, received a  beautiful painting featuring some of the children’s handprints: a striking blend of bright colors against an artistic backdrop – a true reflection of admiration. A larger painting along the same lines and colors, was erected as a permanent feature in the children’s therapy room furnished through Laura’s contribution.

After several “Kodak moments,” we were all on our way, while the kids and their parents continued to partake of the culinary delights and celebrate the year’s end with a flourish. We will continue to raise funds for such a worthy cause, yet another jewel in the crown of ESRA’s myriad achievements. 

Right-tracking in Netanya by Henry Ben Ezra 

After an active year the Right Track Centers in Netanya closed down for a summer break in late June.  School pupils continued to flock to our ESRA-funded qualified teachers for help with their studies in Tanach (Bible), Hebrew grammar and composition, literature, English and mathematics. Towards the end of the school year two of the center’s coordinators were even approached by very keen pupils enquiring whether learning could resume prior to Rosh Hashanah in September. 

Three of the pupils who regularly learnt with our teachers in the last decade have already gone on to complete tertiary studies and qualify for university degrees. 

The centers will undoubtedly commence another productive year in 2011-2012.