Vocational Training Course for Ethiopian Israelis

Addisalem Realizes a Lifelong Dream in Megemeria

From nearly the moment she touched down in Israel from Ethiopia, Addisalem found herself working as a cleaner for a manpower company. She had always dreamed of having a profession, and of making up the years of school cut short by the terrible marriage of her youth, which left her with a daughter by the age of 14. She would visit the local community center periodically, looking for courses that would help her gain the profession she longed for. One day, the center informed her that a Megemeria jewelry making course was opening, and that she was eligible to apply. 

"On the day of the entrance exams, I was very nervous," Addisalem recalls. "When I was accepted to Megemeria, I was so excited. It's a dream come true."

"I had a wonderful time in the course. Not only did I acquire a profession, I also became empowered. My family is very proud of me, and I am much more involved with my children – now, I have the confidence I need to sit down and help my daughter with Hebrew homework." 

"I wanted to thank Orna and Itzik Levy, the owners of YVEL, and YEDID, for opening up this extraordinary program, and giving me this life changing opportunity. I especially want to thank Meir, the jewelry-making instructor, and Genet, the program director, for their encouragement, their motivational speeches, and for never giving up on me."

"The classes we participated in on teamwork, conflict resolution, and keeping up with production demands in a competitive workplace really raised my self-confidence – I know now that, together with the other Megemeria graduates, I can take on any challenge you throw my way. I treasure the communication skills that I gained in those classes – not only because they have helped me improve my workplace relationships, but my relationships with my husband and children as well. Today, I am very proud of myself and my accomplishments, and I encourage all of my friends to go out and acquire a profession. I know that they won't regret it." 

The Megemeria School would not be possible without the generosity of donors like you – every dollar you donated helps Addisalem and the 43 other graduates of Megemeria gain the skills, confidence, and knowledge that they need to become self-sufficient workers, who take pride in their creative work and support their families with dignity.

On behalf of YEDID's staff and the students and graduates from Megemeria, I thank our supporters for their partnership. Without help like yours, 44 talented individuals would not have had the chance to embark on the path to a brighter future. Thank you so much!