Words of the Director
“It takes a village to educate a child”
This ancient African proverb signifies in my eyes the meaning of the important and complex educational undertaking, the patience and resources demanded of us in the aim of providing our children with the most fitting education.
As an immigrant girl from Ethiopia who experienced the process of absorption into Israeli society, I learned about the power of the encounter with amazing people who, through empathy, dialog and faith, shaped the educational and social outlook which has accompanied me over the years on my professional path.
As the Director of Beit Tzipora it has been a great honor and privilege to be a partner to the vision of Mrs. Marion and Mr. Elie Wiesel, the Foundation’s founders, who understood the great importance of advancing Ethiopian-Israeli children and youth to fill key positions as they become integrated into Israeli society.
Beit Tzipora spearheads programs and processes in the learning and community field and provides an arena in which barriers can be removed and equal opportunity provided to advance pupils in general and Ethiopian immigrant pupils in particular. This undertaking rests on our unwavering commitment and faith in each and every pupil’s ability and right to succeed – to earn the coveted matriculation certificate and continue on to higher education.
Throughout my educational work over the years I witnessed outstanding pupils, but also those whom the system left behind. Owing to proper educational work and suitable teaching methods these pupils succeeded in attaining scholastic achievements and dared to dream of their future.
Consequently, as a Director it is my outlook that just as education has the power to deepen gaps – it can also serve as a powerful instrument to generate change in children’s social and economic positioning in society and in their perceived self-ability. This in turn enables them to develop awareness that they can shape their future and destiny and heightens their sense of belonging to society and the community in which they live.
This outlook has proven itself in the pupils’ achievements over the years, with 70% of them eligible to take the matriculation exams. The Center is open to all residents of Kiryat Malachi, from 1st through 12th grade, seeking to further themselves scholastically and to gain a personal and different learning experience.
I would like to thank all the partners who partake in the Beit Tzipora educational endeavor: the Kiryat Malachi municipality, the team of teachers at the Center, parent leadership at Beit Tzipora, the volunteers and donors.
You are partners to the way and to the dream
And for this I thank you
Hagit Blai