Photos: Lior Efron & Yael Cherny

On November 13, 2017, 19 Ethiopian college students were awarded scholarships for their mentoring of younger schoolchildren in ESRA's "Students Build a Community"project in Netanya.

The students live in and work with children in disadvantaged neighborhoods, acting as mentors and role models. They provide social and emotional support and help with schoolwork that the younger children require. 

Ofer Orenstein of the Netanya Council

 The "Students Build a Community" project began some ten years ago in Netanya and has become one of ESRA's most successful projects. It benefits both the college students who receive financial assistance for continuing their studies and the younger children who improve both academically and socially. It changes the quality of their lives.

The Scholarship Awards ceremony took place in Netanya's Hephzibah Neighborhood Community Center. The mood in the Center that evening was joyful and exciting. This was due to the warm social interactions between the participants and to the lovely round tables displaying delicious hors d'oeuvres and pastries. It was also due to the well-organized program, the impressive group of college students receiving awards and to the generosity of the scholarship donors who made it all possible.

Each student spoke briefly about his/her background and past studies and activities. The group included students who were studying Economics, Business Administration, Law, Education, Psychology, Criminology, Physical Education, Banking and Electrical Technology. Students served in the army as Combat Medics, NCOs in the Armored Corps, in units for Soldiers Welfare, teachers in Nahal and as Intelligence Officers.

 Singers Noi (left) and Rachel entertained the audience

Others did National Service as Medical Secretaries in hospitals and as assistant teachers.

These students were an attractive and vibrant group who spoke about their enjoyment in working with the younger children, their gratitude for being part of an ESRA project, and their thanks for the scholarships which would help them in their plans for the future.

The donors of the scholarships were also a group to be admired. Their generosity was warm and genuine as they presented the certificates to their students, and they too won our hearts.

This was an evening that demonstrated "The Best of ESRA". Nina Zuck, the Coordinator of ESRA's Projects, and her dedicated volunteers deserve a great deal of credit for arranging such a successful evening.