The Power of Connection

What is English B'Yachad? Hear from volunteer, Meryl Glickman, on the impact of this program from Skilled Volunteers for Israel.

English B’Yachad (EBY), the flagship program of Skilled Volunteers for Israel, works with older adult volunteers located primarily in the US. On Sunday, November 24th, Marla Gamoran, the founder of EBY, will visit the Jewish Federation of St. Joseph Valley to introduce the program and explain more about this amazing project.

The heart of English B’Yachad, which means English Together, is the bond forged between tutor and student, enhancing the lives of both our students and tutors. This story exemplifies the power of such connections.

Ambitious From the Start

Avital, an Ethiopian Israeli woman is a “go-getter.” That’s how Susan, her English B’Yachad tutor, enthusiastically describes her.

Born in Israel to parents of Ethiopian descent, Avital grew up in Haifa. After high school, Avital served as an intelligence officer in the Israeli Defense Force (IDF).

Leading the Way

During her military service, Avital recognized that Israeli Ethiopian youth were often placed in lower-level army positions, such as kitchen duty. She launched a volunteer program for high schoolers to better prepare them for the IDF screening process. She encouraged them to “dream bigger,” aiming for better positions and a stronger future.

Preparing for Career Success

After completing her IDF service in 2020, Avital enrolled in a technology program at Tech-Career. While the coursework was extremely rigorous, Avital was up to the challenge. Tech-Career also introduced her to the English B’Yachad (EBY) program, offering an additional option to her already demanding studies. She applied to EBY.

Challenged by English

Although she had never enjoyed studying English, Avital—a go-getter—embraced the opportunity to improve her language skills. Partnering with a volunteer tutor was a chance she couldn’t pass up, as she knew that English fluency was crucial for her ultimate success.

Tutoring Matters

After her interview to assess her English skills and interests, Avital was paired with Susan, a retired social worker from Chicago. Susan’s role as an English B’Yachad tutor was to practice conversational English.

They touched on a wide variety of subjects, from literature to travel.  As Avital spoke in English during their hourly sessions, Susan noted English skills to work on, such as correct verb tense. They discussed the next steps in Avital’s studies and career, and they worked on her resume.

While Susan had never been a teacher, tutoring came naturally. (This is something that EBY tutors tell us they are surprised just happens!) Plus, English B’Yachad offered many resources and support to Susan as a tutor.

As the months passed, Susan and Avital’s relationship deepened. The intergenerational pair talked about all sorts of things—from common interests in food and travel to heftier subjects such as the ongoing conflict.

Confident English

Of course, the main goal from the start was to build Avital’s confidence as an English speaker. And that they did!

Having completed her training program at Tech-Career, Avital continued her studies in Psychology at Israel’s Reichman University. After graduating with a BA in Psychology, she began to seek employment.

In a highly competitive job market where English was required, Avital landed a position combining her dual background in technology and psychology!  Avital’s dedication to improving her English proficiency, coupled with her pursuit of academic credentials, enabled her to achieve her professional dream. Susan has no doubt Avital’s career will continue to blossom.

English B’Yachad…Enhancing Lives

The benefits of English B’Yachad reach far beyond the students and the tutors. A ripple effect extends to their families, their communities, and the Israeli labor market, ultimately supporting Israel’s economy.

Reflecting on their journey, Susan shared the profound transformation of their relationship. What began as a mentorship centered on language learning and evolved into a deep and enduring friendship. To this day, they enjoy staying in touch.

Both their lives have been immeasurably enhanced.

To learn more about volunteer opportunities with English B’Yachad, please join us at the Jewish Federation on Sunday, November 24th at 11:00 AM.