“We have a problem at the moment where the focus is on education of older children. They receive a lot more money and investment and society does not typically recognise the importance of the early years,” Kacen says.
“But research tells us what happens from zero to five years is key to all the issues we face in society.”
In Kacen’s view, empowering women through education will not only elevate their role in society but it will support them to become better parents.
When Wizo announced the degree initiative, it received more than 100 applications from its day care centre staff across the country.
“We were blown away by the interest,” says Kacen. “One of the problems we have in this industry is that it is low-paid and seen as low-skilled work. We have a problem with staff retention, but this is going to help give women status and pride in their work and increase their earning potential.”
The first cohort of 26 caregivers from Wizo day care centres began their academic journey in November.
“It is the first time anyone from their families will have studied a higher-education degree,” says Kacen. “And it is something that is going to transform their lives.”
Yael Malka, 52, was apprehensive about learning before she secured a place on the degree scholarship. A survivor of domestic violence, she explains: “I came from a poor family; my parents didn’t have the money to pay for my studies. I am the first in my family to study in an academic institution. From a young age I wanted to be a kindergarten teacher but I was afraid to learn. I wanted to fulfil myself, to prove to myself that I am capable, and to show to those who don’t believe in me that I can.
Jackie Ellert with two students[Missing Credit]
“Without the scholarship, I wouldn’t have been able to go to the college. Since I’ve started learning, my son who is learning in a special education school says that he wants to go to the college after finishing school. I have become a role model for him. My sister and my children are very supportive.”
For Olga Margulies, 36, the chance to study has provided her with an opportunity to develop professionally and personally.
“I found myself sharing the knowledge with my colleagues,” she says. “I am sure it already influences my work. I feel more confident and self-respected... My children feel proud that I am going to the college.”
Jackie Ellert, a longstanding Wizo UK member and former trustee, travelled with the charity in January and visited the students and see the impact of the course on their lives.
She was so inspired by the project that she pledged to sponsor the degree course for one of the 26 participants.
Wizo federations around the world are participating to cover the costs of this life-changing women’s education opportunity.
Ellert says: “Having seen the impact of what Wizo is doing it is no surprise to me that here in the UK the Princess of Wales has chosen to focus much of her charity work on early years education.
“The Princess is a high-profile example of someone who has joined what seems to be a growing number of people who recognise that what we experience from birth to the age of five shapes our future.”
Some students travel for hours to attend the Levinsky-Wingate Academic Centre where they study one day a week alongside working in Wizo day care centres around the country.
Ellert was impressed by the story of one Israeli Muslim woman who described how she was given permission to attend the course from her husband.
“She gets up at four in the morning to make sure her house chores are done and food is prepared for the family before she comes to study. It is an amazing sacrifice so many of these women are making to advance themselves and their place in society. I couldn’t think of a better programme to support.
“In educating themselves they are not only going to be better care givers in the day care centres but they will be better mothers, and better grandparents one day.
“I have always been interested personally in the impact of early childhood. We know that positive physical, emotional and cognitive development is so important. It is a time when the building blocks for the rest of a child’s life are established. In supporting these women, Wizo is going to have a long-term positive impact on the whole of Israel’s society.”
To find out more or to donate in support of this life-changing initiative, go to wizouk.org or call or 020 7319 9169
