.png){kind=logo}
Moadon Shoham
The Challenge
The Ethiopian community came on aliyah despite experiencing tremendous hardships; that adversity has not ended with their assimilation into Israeli society. Even in second and third generation immigrant families, the children face huge challenges in overcoming socioeconomic and educational deficits. At Shoham, we have created a formula that takes youth at risk of dropping out and enables them to achieve greatness. From elite army units to international contests, our students fulfill their potential and dreams, raising themselves, their families, and their communities.
.jpeg)
Moadon
Shoham
Shoham is different from other programs. Here they know how to help me. In other places I feel lost. Because of Shoham I have better grades and am a better student.
R. 9th grade
Shoham ensures that I attend and function daily both in Shoham and school. And if I miss something, they help make it up with me as opposed to other programs where you can disappear if you stay by yourself. In Shoham you can’t get lost.
S, 10th grade
Much of the progress of these students is due to the Shoham program. Your devotion has created a giant leap forward for these students. Thank you.
School counselor, Ulpanat Amit Noga
Shoham Program Achievements
Over the past 12 years, the Shoham program has demonstrated remarkable success in achieving unprecedented educational outcomes and transforming students' lives:
.png)
100%
Bagrut
.png)
95%
Bagrut Qualifying for University
.png)
60%
Advanced Math & English
100%
Army and National Service
Shoham's Response
In 2012, veteran community activist Miriam Zussman, Chairman of Tiferet Orot and Dr. Meir Ekstein recognized that many Ethiopian students in Bet Shemesh who performed well in elementary school weren't reaching their potential by the end of high school.
Discussions with educators and a detailed analysis of the process at Ulpanat Amit Noga school clarified that the students lacked both academic and social supports in the home environment that would enable them to keep up with the demands of school. Furthermore, it became clear that the government gave minimal in-school assistance to these children who had previously been designated as successful in elementary school.
Shoham was born to give these students the educational support, academic resources and cultural knowledge to thrive.
Meet the Team
Yelem
Individual Coach
Ms. Gavayhu, formerly in charge of the boys' program, currently provides individual coaching and support to students and parents. She holds a BA in Informal Education and a certificate in Integrative Jewish Psychotherapy.
Devora Davidson
Program Director
Ms. Davidson brings extensive experience working with the Ethiopian community and has managed the Shoham program for nine years. She holds a BA in Social Work and an MA in Nonprofit Management.
Dr. Meir Ekstein
Founder and Operational Director
Dr. Ekstein co-founded Shoham and has served as Director since its inception. He oversees all program areas and collaborates with staff to provide excellent academic and emotional support to Shoham participants. A clinical psychologist with a Ph.D., Dr. Ekstein is an acclaimed educator who previously founded two award-winning high schools.