Computer training for Ethiopian Israelis

During a recent trip to Israel, I had the opportunity to visit the Tech-Career Technology Center for Ethiopian Israelis located in Kibbutz Nachshon. I was invited by Iris Amit, the Vice President for Operations and Education at the Technology Training Center for Ethiopian Israelis. The aim of this program is to provide an opportunity for Ethiopian young adults aged 21-30 to develop sustainable careers in the high tech industry. Since its establishment in 2002 by Asher Eliyas, a member of the Israeli Ethiopian community, Tech-Career (TC) has provided a comprehensive technological training program for over 400 young adults in more than 20 courses in software development, software quality assurance, and networking. Because so few Ethiopians have careers in Israeli high tech companies, the key to integrating Ethiopians into Israeli society lies in good jobs. The successful completion of the Tech-Career program serves as a springboard to this successful integration into the high-tech industry and ultimately into Israeli society.

I learned that programs of this type are necessary if Ethiopian Israelis are to break out of the harsh socio-economic reality in which they live and integrate into Israeli society. An estimated 130,000 Ethiopian Jews live in Israel. Most of this community made aliyah from Ethiopia to Israel in two waves of mass immigration in 1984 and 1991. While they are supposed to be full citizens with equal rights, their community has continued to face widespread discrimination and socio-economic difficulties. Statistics published in 2012 indicate that over 52% of Ethiopian Israeli families are living below the poverty line in comparison to 15% of the general Jewish population. A study published in the same year found that members of this community earn 30%-40% less than Arab citizens in Israel.

Once accepted into Tech-Career, students benefit from ideal learning conditions that include residential status at Kibbutz Nachshon. This is fundamental for the success of the students in the very intensive technological programs TC offers during 8 to 12 months of training. Participants attend six to eight hours of computer classes per day, five days per week. The rigorousness of the courses obligates students to practice daily after class hours students are offered 24-hour access to computer labs. After class hours, students undergo training sessions with volunteers and TC graduates for reinforcement.

A residence at Kibbutz Nachshon permits TC students to concentrate on their studies. Living at home during their studies at TC would have forced them to go out and work in the evenings to support their large families. This would have impaired their chances to succeed in their studies. The secure residence at Tech-Career safeguards from unnecessary temptations and distractions which can stand as obstacles in the completion of TC’s intensive programs. The students described residence at Kibbutz Nachshon as a communal, supportive and nurturing learning environment which empowers them, preserves their motivation, and keeps them afloat during the challenges and hardships they face in this demanding period. Residence at Tech-Career according to them is indispensable.

Every few of weeks, Tech-Career organizes cultural activities for its students. During their studies, students are in need of leisure time and the cultural activities are an excellent opportunity for them take a break and enjoy a moment of recreation. It is also an opportunity for bonding with the TC staff. Enrichment activities are organized around Ethiopian festivities and holidays such as the Sigd, where students have an opportunity to be exposed to the rich culture, tastes and sounds of Ethiopia. Guest speakers are invited which also helps expose the students to their life experiences which empowers and strengthens them in their experiences at Tech-Career.

Tech-Career strives for the successful employment of each of its graduates. Therefore, Tech-Career’s personal development workshops and job placement activities, prepare students psychologically and practically for working in high tech, and are an essential part of the training. Workshops include resume writing, job interview training, time management, teamwork, interpersonal communication, and conflict management. To date, about 70% of all Tech-Career graduates are placed in high tech positions.

High-tech seniors and experts volunteer to personally mentor and accompany students one-on-one in order to familiarize them with the high-tech work culture, introduce them to their professional social network, help them prepare for job interviews, and facilitate their integration into the high tech work force.

The best part of this visit was to hear what students had to say about the value of participating in the Tech-Career program. Their comments and reactions were very positive. For example, Avraham Ayelin, when asked about his career goal, commented that he would eventually like to start his own software development company. I hope that someday he will have the opportunity to accomplish his goal. Finally, I was touched by what Michal Aimelak told me about what this program meant to her. She said, “It has meant the future for me and a better life for me and my family.” The hope is that the graduates will be the future leaders and social activists of the Ethiopian Israeli community.

EZRA L. STIEGLITZ, PH.D. (estieglitz@ric.edu) is a Professor of Elementary Education at Rhode Island College where he serves as Coordinator of Overseas Programs for the Feinstein School of Education and Human Development.

IRIS AMIT (iris@tech-career.org) is Vice President for Operations and Education at the Technology Training Center for Ethiopian Israelis located in Kibbutz Nachshon.