The Schoolhouse is a unique school for adult refugees & asylum seekers in Israel, one of the country’s most marginalized and invisible communities. Fleeing war, dictatorship, ethnic conflict and poverty, asylum seekers in Israel are mainly from Sudan and Eritrea. Their goal is to create a better life for themselves and their children, but until today they have not been able to access the educational opportunities to do so. The Schoolhouse operates an innovative school in Tel Aviv with over 180 students each semester, offering an adapted educational program that teaches English, Hebrew literacy, computer skills and GED courses.
After we were forced to suspend formal operations for 2.5 months due to the Coronavirus shutdowns, The Schoolhouse is reopening in an unpredictable and difficult economic reality. While the economic damage felt by the shutdowns has impacted the entire world, it has been especially difficult for vulnerable and marginalized groups, such as the asylum seeker community in Israel. The Coronavirus pandemic saw many of our students’ jobs disappear literally overnight, especially those who work in restaurants, hotels and other entertainment and service industry jobs. At the height of the shutdown, some 70% of our students reported losing their jobs.
During this time, our teachers rose to the occasion and offered online classes over Zoom free of charge. Despite these difficult circumstances, our students have urged us to reopen our doors and invite them back to our physical classrooms. A return to normalcy and routine is critical for their well-being, as expressed by our Hebrew 1 student, H.G.:
It’s very important for me to learn. I know how to speak [Hebrew] but I don’t know how to read and write. I have a son. And without understanding, the eyes are closed. So for me, The Schoolhouse is the most special. Because you opened my eyes. Learning Hebrew [the local language] is the most important, because I live here, and I can’t read or write, it’s like living with my eyes closed. It’s not a good feeling. So I am always blessing you. Especially if you have a child, and his teacher sends something and you can’t read it, it’s actually a shame for me. Thank you.
The Schoolhouse has always been proud of the fact that 40% of our budget is covered by student tuition. Our students’ willingness to fund their own education has always made them our partners in The Schoolhouse’s sustainability. While most have indicated that they would try to pay their tuition, we know we will have to offer much wider scholarships and financial support due to vast unemployment. Our policy will not change: any student who wishes to study will study - no matter whether or not they can pay.
The Schoolhouse is looking to raise $3,500 in monthly pledged donations to offset student tuition payments during this unpredictable period. Together with other donors, you can help us meet this goal by pledging a small monthly donation of $18, $36, $54, $90 or $180 per month.
We are confident that our students will work very hard to return to standing on their own two feet, and will return to being our partners in their education. Today, however, they need some additional support. Please help them. We cannot afford to give up on education.
