We visited a Bedouin village in Negev with Khadra. She took us to visit a woman in another Bedouin village to show us the results of her program for Bedouin women.
The women speak Arabic, but they don't speak Hebrew. They can't read or write either language. When they go to a doctor for medical care or to the store, they cannot communicate in Hebrew and they cannot read in Arabic. Her organization, Sidreh, hires 2 teachers to educate Bedouin women. One teaches Hebrew and one teaches Arabic. It empowers the women and improves their self esteem.
Women in the first village study each language for 4 hours a week. It is not enough, but the organization can't afford to pay a teacher for more time. They have been studying since August. They meet in a building without any utilities. The government will subsidize teaching if the building meets code, including utilities. It is a catch 22 because without the aid, they can't afford to upgrade the building to get the government aid.
The woman in the second village completed two years in the program. She was able to manage her daily life in a Hebrew-speaking society, and she also testified before the Knesset in Hebrew after going through Sidreh's program.
We asked the teacher what she wishes she had for her classroom. She wanted a larger white board so she doesn't have to erase so often, and more dry erase markers. When we asked to take pictures, some declined, some accepted but covered up more, and others were comfortable with a picture.
Khadra and Linda with the woman in the second village. She agreed to a picture, but only after she covered up. She was not covered during our visit - just for the picture.
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