Havtam's Story

Youth in School

City: Jerusalem

"I would fail more without SPACE"

Havtam Avsarah was born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. In 2003, her family came in groups to Israel. As a child, she recalls the absorption center in Dimona where she and her family stayed.  "I don’t think it was hard [to be absorbed] into Israel. We had the right help so that we could integrate, we had helpers, and those doing their national service, and everyone helped us." The proficient knowledge of the Hebrew language allowed her parents to get the help they needed with more ease, however, they lack other necessary academic subjects, like math, which they never learned in Ethiopia. Prior to SPACE, this was a detriment to Havtam in school. She explains the difference the program made for her, "I understand more because the teacher goes over with me on what happens in the lesson. It’s more individual, everyone asks questions in the question and I feel more comfortable and she relates more."

Now, her math scores have significantly improved and she feels more comfortable having friends in the classroom. She also enjoys reading and watching movies. Currently, she is doing national service at a children's school in Ramat Gan. Havtam encourages others to participate in the project so they can excel in more advanced classes.

"I would fail more without SPACE" she says.