Tech-Careers Computer Training for Ethiopian Israelis
Three related issues cause Ethiopians to remain at the bottom of Israeli society and impede their advancement: housing, education and employment. In 2003, Asher Elias, a member of the Israeli Ethiopian community, co-founded Tech-Careers to create opportunity for young Ethiopian Israelis. The organization provides computer training and job placement in the field of hi-tech to students who have an aptitude for computer programming and the motivation to work hard, but who lack access to technology and technical training. The program is small and simple – train a high school grad intensely for 14 months in a hi-tech field and he will get a job. There are 21 continuing students, another 5 finished over the summer and the third class of 16 opened July 2nd.
Our Involvement
Hands On Tzedakah bought disk on key (flash drives or memory sticks) for each of the students. There was no room in their budget for this necessary item and HOT was happy to provide such a crucial and motivational tool. HOT also just agreed to give Tech-Careers a grant to pay for professional books the students can use but will be for the library.
Asher Alias and Tech-Careers challenges include increasing the number of graduating students, balancing their budget, increasing the social programming for students, advancing their project of social commitment in the community and empowering the students with emotional tools. They also need laptops, school supplies, a microwave oven and a refrigerator.
Contact Information
Tech-Careers, Asher Elias, Kibbutz Nachshon DN, Shimshon 99760 Israel, 011-972-8-927-8613, www.tech-careers.org, asher@tech-careers.org
