Support Ethiopian Olim

The OUI’s program to assist students whose families immigrated to Israel from Ethiopia helps thousands of young Israelis face the challenges of acquiring higher education, setting successful career trajectories, and realizing personal goals. 

In order to combat the higher university dropout rate experienced by many Ethiopian immigrants and those born to immigrant families, the OUI has worked to identify specific obstacles and provide solutions that lead to successful degree completion. In 2015, we created a program to help students persist in their studies, featuring broad, individualized support, academic advising and mentoring, learning guides and workshops, and financial support. 

While the Ministry of Absorption assists Ethiopian immigrants up to the age of 28 who have a high school diploma, the OUI provides holistic support for those who, due to a variety of reasons, do not meet these criteria, yet would like to complete a university degree.  

The OUI’s program is the largest in Israel, with more than 500 students benefitting from the services we offer. Since we do not receive government funding for this important endeavor, we rely solely on generous donors.  

Since the program was initiated, perseverance in studies has significantly improved and fewer Ethiopian olim have dropped out. In the past, students often suspended their studies after taking only one course; today, however, students persist in their studies, enrolling in additional courses and making steady progress towards graduation. We have no doubt that this change is due to the support we offer. Given its necessity, this is a continually expanding program, and the number of participating students continues to grow.  

If you believe in, and wish to support higher education for Ethiopian olim, we appeal to you to be our partners in this program – one that is unmatched by any other university in Israel.

Thank you for considering supporting this important cause.