About A.H.A.V.A.
What is A.H.A.V.A?
A.H.A.V.A. was founded in 2000 by Gaila Cohen Morrison, an experienced English teacher who was determined to provide affordable English education to marginalized communities.
A.H.A.V.A. – “English Learned in a Natural Method” – is the only non-profit organization in Israel dedicated solely to English literacy promotion among disadvantaged children, especially those living in geographically and socially peripheral areas of the country.
What We Do
A.H.A.V.A has developed a unique English literacy program for both native Hebrew and English speaking children. We provide effective English language instruction in Israel at a cost affordable to all socioeconomic levels. This goal is achieved via properly educated (and paid) teachers working in small groups, with innovative and engaging educational materials.
In addition, A.H.A.V.A. builds libraries in schools in the Jerusalem area, and runs teacher training programs all over the country. Every year A.H.A.V.A. has a read-a-thon contest which encourages children to read and improve their English significantly.
Putting many years of experience together, A.H.A.V.A. has developed a unique reader for early readers of English as a foreign language, Reading Rocks!
Why is what we do so important?
Shira is 15. She’s dreamt of being a doctor since she was seven. Shira is an excellent student, but her school only offers limited hours of English education. As a result, her English is not strong enough to pass the English matriculation exam. Shira cannot even apply to medical school. Her mother, a teacher’s aide, and her father, a janitor, struggling to make ends meet, are disappointed. They want a better future for their daughter.
Last year, less than half of all eligible 12th graders even attempted the English matriculation exam to receive a high school diploma. In fact, less than half of all high school students pursue college degrees - 32% of Jewish Israelis, and 11% of Arab Israelis.
A.H.A.V.A. in the News
Amid conflict, Israel’s children find joy in music, sport and study
War has disrupted routines, but Israeli children across Israel continue to shine in music, sport and education with resilience.
A special invitation to Mitzpe Yericho took me to an English-language end-of-year book fair by first- to six-graders, who take part in the after-school program A.H.A.V.A., learning English the natural way.
Read Article → The Canadian Jewish News, 2019Canadian ex-pat helps spread English literacy in Israel
A.H.A.V.A. provides English-language classes to children who might not otherwise be able to afford them. When it comes to English-language education, Israel has a two-tier system that is often based on the family's financial status.
A.H.A.V.A. provides a counterbalance to this educational inequity.
Read Article → The Jerusalem Post, 2015Teaching Israelis that ‘English rocks’
Founded in 2000, A.H.A.V.A. is the only nonprofit in Israel dedicated solely to promoting English literacy for children. The goal is to make learning English as fun, relevant and simple as possible.
Standard English-language instruction in Israeli schools is often insufficient, yet few families can afford private lessons.
Read Article → The Jewish Standard, 2012Aliyah diary: What schools here can learn from an Israeli program
Every Israeli child, even those handicapped by social and economic factors, should have the opportunity to be literate enough in English to pursue whatever career they dream of.
Read Article → Ynet/Reuters, 2011UK rapper launches read-a-thon in Israel
UK rap artist Antithesis kicked off A.H.A.V.A.’s sixth annual Read-a-thon to promote English literacy among Israeli youth. The month-long event engages hundreds of local children in reading challenges to build essential language skills for a competitive world.
Read Article →