In the Bedouin Village of Bir Hadaj, deep in the Negev, the residents are Israeli citizens but Hebrew is rarely heard among them. Their neighbors, the students at Ayalim's Ashalim Student Village, wanted to do something about this.
"We want to bridge the gap between Bedouin and Israeli society," says Eran Shlomi, social director at the Ashalim Village, "and the children are the key."
As part of their social volunteer commitment, ten Ayalim students have started a Hebrew language after-school club in Bir Hadaj, mostly for children in fifth and sixth grade. In order to form the club, the students received approval from the Village's two elementary school principals and then went from house to house to get the parents' support.
"There is a lot of respect for school and studyin in the Village," says Shlomi, "and Ayalim's students were welcomed into the homes."
The students meet with over 20 children three times a week. They engage them in Hebrew language learning through fun, informal activities that also incorporate Israeli history, national symbols, the army, and national holidays. "These children live in Israel, yet know so little about Israeli culture and society," says Shlomi. "We want to expose them to that when they leave the Village they won't be in shock. The emphasis is on culture, never politics or religion."
"The children love the activities," Shlomi continues. "Although it's mostly for elementary school children, many bring brothers and sisters and cousins, and there are even some first graders in the class."
"The students are highly motivated and feel that they are doing something meaningful," says Shlomi. "They see the results of their work week after week." In addition, while they teach, Ayalim's students also learn about Bedouin culture from their pupils.
Ayalim's student volunteers hope that one day Israelis and Bedouin can live side-by-side in mutual respect and understanding. They see language as a great connector and their program as a significant beginning.
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