The ARDC firmly believes in the value of vocational education and training. For asylum-seekers in Israel, learning practical skills at a high level opens many doors for employment opportunities which otherwise would be inaccessible. Additionally, vocational training allows for increased integration into Israeli society and can act as an important bridge between Israeli and asylum-seeker communities while improving both communities' economic situations. We offer a broad range of courses and workshops teaching marketable skills such as computer programming, car repair, and manicure pedicure courses.
Vocational Studies
What: Skills-based training and vocational courses at The ARDC are targeted towards both the skilled and unskilled sectors of the asylum-seeker community, in efforts to maximize impacts, increase professional development, and boost employment options. Through vocational courses, clients are provided with qualified teachers and an opportunity to build skills enabling them to join the Israeli workforce. The ARDC has significant experience working with a variety of vocational institutions to provide the foundation for economic inclusion. The ARDC offers coursework available for clients of all backgrounds and skill levels.
Why: Many asylum seekers lack the documentation or education needed to pursue university studies at this time. For this reason, ARDC’s education program provides a variety of entry points for asylum seekers, including skills-based workshops and vocational courses. The ARDC hopes to help asylum seekers feel a sense of achievement and accomplishment for having made progress towards completed their course of studies. Our programs and courses strive to ensure that asylum seekers feel encouraged and confident in pursuing the course of study of their choice. Whether their goals are to be fluent in HTML or learning a new language, like Hebrew or English, our caseworkers are there to assist clients every step of the way.
Coding Program
Why: Many asylum seekers have interest and previous experience in computer programming; however, due to their status, they often lack the resources to achieve their dreams in this field. Our goal is not only to educate, but also to guide towards employment and integrate them into the high-tech community. Training students in computer programming significantly boosts their chances of fulfilling, long-term employment. Plus, it fills a gap in the job market. Everyone wins.
How: The objective of the Coding Boot Camp program is assisting to find long-term, sustainable employment solutions within the high-tech sector both in Israel and abroad in an effort to enhance livelihoods and expand vocational opportunities for African asylum-seekers.
Courses Tailored for Women
Why: Women are a minority in the asylum-seeker community and are often overlooked in terms of employment and education. In addition to facing legal and social challenges, many also have children and families to take care of and support. Our aim is to help integrate these women into Israeli society by growing their social and marketable skillsets.
How: We offer women-only classes and workshops which teach practical and marketable skills such as a manicure-pedicure class, Hebrew and English classes, as well as a self-defense course. We aim to create a positive learning environment to encourage increased participation within the community.
Courses: The Manicure Pedicure and Women's Hebrew courses have both been extremely successful. We have completed two of these courses in cooperation with the prestigious Yullia School. The women who complete the course receive a certificate and are then able to work in the beauty industry. Additionally, our women's Hebrew course was our most attended course with 55 participants.
30|30 Women's Mentorship Breakfast
The 30/30 Breakfast, conducted in collaboration with 30/30 organisation, is an initiative to bring together asylum-seekers in and leaders from the professional community, in fields such as high-tech, business, design, and many others. This is the first event of its kind in Israel and brought together two communities that would not otherwise have the opportunity to connect.
Asylum-seekers in Israeli rarely get the opportunities to network themselves with the professional community due in large part to the legal and economic status. This event provides the opportunity to learn more about the work climate in Israel as well get exposure to potential employers. This is also a great opportunity for companies to learn more about the asylum-seeker community and find ways to assist.
The breakfasts have proven to be a successful platform to create a dialogue between these two communities and further integrate them. Many of the Israeli professionals were very excited by the breakfast and have shown great interest in further interacting with the asylum seeker community.