1. Ya’akov, 8, made aliyah with
his family from Ethiopia
in 2007. For two years he
participated in Yesodot/
Foundations afternoon
enrichment programs –
the study center, computer
enrichment classes and
Matzophim afternoon
tutoring. He excels in
school and was one of the
few children in his class to
be tested for a school for
gifted children.
Printed at the Jewish Agency
Tel: +972.2.620.2633
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E-mail: ask@jafi.org
The Jewish Agency is funded by The Jewish Federations of North America, Keren Hayesod, major Jewish communities and
federations, the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, foundations and donors from Israel and around the world. Yesodot / Foundations Program

2. Yesodot / Foundations Program
It is difficult for us to imagine the difficulties Ethiopians face when Elementary School Study Center - provides daily
Springboard for
a Strong Future
they arrive in Israel. In one four-hour plane ride they bridge a individualized assistance by specially trained educational staff
centuries-old gap from rural Africa to Israel. The historic return in reading, writing, math and language, as well as programs
to their homeland is incredible, but they are unfamiliar with the such as music, art and computers.
language, culture and social norms. Matzophim – afternoon tutoring program to promote New immigrant children from
With its expertise in absorbing new immigrants from Ethiopia, the excellence in Hebrew and math. Ethiopia deserve to enter school
Jewish Agency launched the Yesodot/Foundations enrichment Afternoon Clubs – dynamic young instructors help bridge the in Israel thoroughly prepared
program to give children and teens living in Jewish Agency gaps, tutor the children and engage them in interactive study
absorption centers immediate, targeted support for their new life in and excited about learning. The
groups and learning experiences.
Israel. The two years spent in the absorption centers, are a wonderful Yesodot/Foundations Program
window of opportunity for this interdisciplinary multi-age program Computer Enrichment Classes – using software created
for new immigrants from Ethiopia, children develop critical
is a comprehensive enrichment
that builds their self-esteem, prepares them for a lifetime of learning
and addresses their social, emotional and scholastic needs. computer skills while learning Hebrew, math and reading. program that gives children and
Reading Enrichment - “My First Library” project introduces teens living in Jewish Agency
Yesodot serves over 2,500 children annually, from pre-school
children and their parents to the joy of reading. Each family absorption centers a supportive
through twelfth grade, in various absorption centers throughout
receives 10 new books upon completion of the project. learning environment to begin
Israel. The program is comprised of a range of vital educational
projects that include: their new life with hope and
Yesodot is ensuring the success of new immigrant children
Ready for First Grade – introduction to letters, words and in school, a vital key in the integration of the entire Ethiopian confidence.
phonology in a fun, open environment to put first graders on community
par with their Israeli peers.