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Kiryat Menachem
The Need
For the last five years, Machshava Tova (MT) has successfully opened eight computer centers (seven in Jerusalem and one in Lod) and taught tens of computer courses for thousands of individuals. MT has serviced many different populations, including: Ethiopians, youth-at-risk, kindergarten children, new immigrants, individuals with disabilities, the hard of hearing, the elderly and the unemployed. MT's courses cater to the local population's needs and wants- research is done to determine which courses would benefit the target population and at the same time, members of the individual neighborhood provide ideas for potential courses. This assists MT in providing exposure to computers for residents who are otherwise disconnected from the technological revolution happening all around them.
Background
The neighborhood of Ganim, located in West Jerusalem, was originally established in the 1950's for immigrants from Asia and Africa. Kiryat Menachem, one of four areas located in Ganim, comprises mostly weak populations who receive support from governmental welfare programs and a large Ethiopian community with very little resources (Kiryat Menachem has the largest concentration of Ethiopians in Jerusalem). In addition, some Russian olim have begun to move in because of the cheap housing rates. For many families, the national insurance allowance they receive monthly is their only income. Many of the children are unable to attend after school activities because of the cost and therefore spend much time roaming the streets. The Ganim Community Center, with its various activities and subsidized prices, provides a home for these children.
The Kiryat Menachem Computer Center is a joint effort of the Ganim Neighborhood Administration and Machshava Tova. Both organizations share a similar vision- to reduce the technological and digital gap, thereby assisting local residents to join mainstream society and creating partnerships among the various populations who reside in the area.
The computer center provides a wide range of formal and informal activities in order to provide for the needs of as many people as possible. The facility has become a home for creation, innovation and the development of community endeavors and vocational opportunities. In 2008, almost 500 children, teenagers and adults used the computer center.
In 2009, a special emphasis has been placed on including local youth in all the center's activities- whether as course participants, young leaders or assistant teachers. They are now giving back to their own community and are viewed by their peers as role models. We look forward to their continued participation in helping to reduce the technological and social gaps Kiryat Menachem residents face.
For more information about the Kiryat Menachem Computer Center or Machshava Tova's activities, please contact Ephraim Gopin at 718-725-7248 or via E-Mail: Ephraim@mtova.org.il
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