About Moadon Shoham
Key Facts and Figures
In Beit Shemesh there are 4,000 Ethiopian Israelis. While their children attend the same schools as the general population, in seventh grade a downward spiral in attendance and performance begins that leads to a sharp drop in the number of Ethiopian students eligible for university entrance as opposed to the general Israeli population.
The figures above illustrate the tremendous socio-economic and educational disparities which impact the ability of Ethiopian students to excel academically and achieve their potential. In addition, Ethiopian students and their families experience both implicit and overt racism. These students need significant support in order to succeed and overcome these challenges. If these factors are not changed, the Ethiopian community will remain in the lowest socio-economic levels of the community and will not integrate into Israeli society. This failure would be a tremendous loss to Israeli society and the Ethiopian community. This doesn’t have to happen
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)

At Shoham
The Shoham program emphasizes excellence, persistence, curiosity, reading, the ability to use dialogue to solve problems, exposure to the world and "habits of mind." We have adopted and adapted proven educational methods to achieve distinction and to prepare the students to attend university and to achieve eventual success in their chosen careers.
Ethiopian students who want to join the program are interviewed and selected
according to the following criteria:
-
were in the top half of their class in elementary school
-
are able to read and write at grade level
-
are motivated to attend and are committed to the program
-
have expressed interest at a personal interview
-
have parents who are interested and committed to the program
The program operates as a dormitory, but without a dormitory. It runs four days a week for three hours a day after school, 45 weeks a year. There is an 89% retention rate, and attendance is approximately 95%.
Daily Schedule at Shoham
The Program
The students begin the day at Shoham at 16:00 after school.
All cellphones are collected and put away for the duration of the program.
The schedule is as follows:
16:00-16:30
Hot Meal & Socializing
16:30-17:10
Tutoring & Mentoring
17:10-17:30
Enrichment Break
17:30-18:10
Tutoring & Mentoring
18:10-18:45
Silent Reading & Discussion
18:45-19:00
Group Process & Summary
Thursdays are also dedicated to extracurricular activities such as dance, sports, cooking, self-defense, body image, drama, current events, relevant movies and more. Vacations are used for study, recreation and culturally enriching trips tomuseums, high tech companies, concerts and ballet.
Program Achievements
Over the past twelve years, Shoham has been remarkably successful. Spectacularly, all the students achieved matriculation degrees that will allow them to continue to university (4 units of English, 3-5 units of math and most are completing prestigious majors such as physics, computers, Arabic, film making, art and others). Some students have notably excelled; one achieved a 100% average in 5 units of math and physics and was one of the few high school students in the country chosen to visit the particle accelerator in Switzerland. There are students who read books fluently in English way beyond the requirements of the school system. All of the students have been accepted and are attending competitive mainstream mechinot, significant positions in the army (one in Sayeret Matcal – a highly regarded special forces unit, some in intelligence) or prestigious positions in sherut luemi. We have learnt much about effective execution.
Shoham participants face many challenges, ranging from their complicated socio- economic situations to cultural and emotional struggles. Our talented staff members give them critical space to talk about the challenges and encourage them to see themselves as young adults who can succeed. Moreover, the war has disproportionately affected those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds who have fewer resources, creating an increased need for emotional support and additional assistance.
Metrics for Success
Comprehensive Student Achievement Framework
-
Consistent attendance in school and program activities
-
Mastery of effective study techniques
-
Progressive advancement in Mathematics curriculum
-
30% of students achieve high-level academic standing (4/5 points Mathematics, 5 points English, 5 points in Major subject)
Academic Excellence
-
Hebrew reading proficiency (4-20 books annually)
-
Advanced English language competency
-
Performance above standard Bagrut requirements
Language Mastery
-
Enhanced self-confidence and personal initiative
-
Development of core life skills: independent learning, intellectual curiosity, and perseverance
-
Proactive engagement in extracurricular programs
-
Regular participation in cultural enrichment activities
Personal Growth
-
Achievement of qualifying Bagrut/matriculation scores
-
Preparation for university academic requirements
-
Selection for elite army preparatory programs
-
Placement in specialized military roles