MA in Education & Literature, Moreshet Yaakov College of Rehovot

My name is Azaria Fetegu and I am married with five children. I made aliyah in 1991 at the age of 10 with my father and 12 siblings. My mother, z”l, died from illness en route from Ethiopia.  My father is a Kes (Ethiopian Rabbi and Leader) and always stressed the importance of knowing our own heritage and of pursuing education.  Inspired by him, I decided to pursue higher education, as it was always clear to me that acquiring knowledge helps to provide one with a greater outlook on life as well as open doors and opportunities. I chose to study literature as I believe that it is the key to understanding a place’s culture and language.  In addition to my studies and family commitments, I am the director of a leadership program called ״Hineni״ (Here I am), which is comprised of young academics who choose to live in neighborhoods with a large percentage of Ethiopians in order to help build the communities and serve as role models. As far as my own family, it is very important to me to teach my children to pursue education. I stress to them the value of open-mindedness as well as the belief that they have the ability to effect positive change in the world.  Keren Hanan Aynor has provided me with both understanding and personal support during my studies, and unlike other organizations, Keren Hanan Aynor prioritizes helping individuals who are raising a family. What sets this organization apart from others is that I have always been treated as a person and individual as opposed to just a name on a form.