Single mothers, immigrants from Ethiopia, participate in a program operated by a non-profit organization called, B'atzmi.

Located on the Mevasseret Zion Absorption Center and in the town of Beit Shemesh, two groups of single mothers, immigrants from Ethiopia, participate in a program operated by a non-profit organization called, B'atzmi, in cooperation with the Jewish Agency for Israel. The project, funded by the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington, is designed to provide these 46 women with the tools one needs to function better in the house, acculturate into Israeli society and, later, into the work force.

Tagay, a 39 year-old mother of four, has been living in Mevasseret for three of her four years in Israel. "I love to cook but need to learn how to make "Israeli foods". My children eat pasta and rice and I bake very well". Then, she laughingly adds, "I also know how to make alcoholic beverages - but not for the children". Her friends join in the laughter.

Za'een, a 33 year-old mother of five who left her remote village of Gondor before transferring to Addis Ababa where she waited for six years before emigrating, tells how she wants to become a hairdresser but finds communication in Hebrew very difficult. "I am a great hairdresser and makeup my children's hair all the time. I love Israel but can hardly communicate outside of the home. I must learn Hebrew". Unanimously, all of the women nod in agreement. "Learning Hebrew is, by far, our hardest challenge", chimes in Medahaneat in a mixture of Hebrew and Amharic. "I have been here for just over 20 months. I hardly speak Hebrew".

Indeed, at Mevasseret and in Beit Shemesh, the B'atzmi program operates five days a week. Two days a week are devoted to sessions that are facilitated by trained professionals who create an open atmosphere and encourage dialogue and candid discussion. These sessions run from 8:00 - 11:30 and are dedicated to interactive learning about Israeli life and society and themselves and what it takes to find a job - how to interview and present yourself before a potential employer and how to demonstrate ones skills which, due to lack of poise, presence, confidence - and Hebrew - are not readily visible. The other three days are devoted exclusively to Hebrew language study.

Participants are striving towards integration and independence.

Interestingly enough, Hebrew, for these mothers, is not just a language that they need to learn for a vocation. Hebrew is also a necessity in the home. Agboosh, from Beit Shemesh, explains. "I speak to my five children in Amharic but they answer me in Hebrew, their language in school and with friends outside the home when they play. Even in the home my children speak Hebrew to each other".

The bottom line is evident. Agboosh, if she wants to know what is happening around her, even in her own house, must master Hebrew.

Selanat, however, emphasizes that Hebrew is not her only challenge. I have three married children and three in the home. I cannot provide enough for them since I only receive a social security income of 1,700 shekels (approximately $400) a month. "I want to work but I am already 53 years old. I love people and I am patient and kind. I really want to get a job working with the elderly. That's the reason I am part of this group. I want to provide for my family. My teachers here at B'atzmi are great and I have really learned a lot but I have to get out and work. But where will I find employment"?

Gavyaneesh expresses the collective frustration when walking around the mall in Mevasseret. "We look and look but can not buy. Others buy but we have no money".

The B'atzmi program has developed a comprehensive working plan. Building on step-by-step progress, the participants are striving towards integration and independence. They feel a higher sense of self-esteem but adjustments to a new, fast-paced western society takes time.

"Looks Like We Made It" has yet to be achieved but the initial goals of "I'd Rather Do It Myself" and "First Steps Towards Independence", thanks to B'atzmi and the Jewish Agency, have been surpassed.

Written by: Arnie Bendor