WIZO Florida

26th August 2010.

Running Far with WIZO

Damasso Zagia, aged 19, national champion in long distance running, and a graduate of the dormitory in WIZO Nir Haemek, under the sponsorship of WIZO Argentina and WIZO USA, runs 20 meters each day in the fields of WIZO Nir Haemek. Damasso competes professionally in long distant races: 5 kilometers, 10 kilometers and a half marathon, and won a gold medal in a nationwide competition. He exercises every day, with a volunteer trainer. His professional running shoes were supplied by WIZO Nir Haemek, where he lives, and WIZO Nir Haemek is giving him every support. Damasso says, 'I want to reach the Olympics, I dream of walking around the stadium holding the Israeli flag'.

Damasso is a new immigrant from Ethiopia, who immigrated to Israel, alone, four years ago, and is learning, and living, at WIZO Nir Haemek, next to Afulla. The staff at the youth village encouraged him to do what he loved doing, and excels in – long distance running, at the same time as he was studying for his matriculation. According to Damasso 'This school only gives the best. Without their help I could not have got anywhere, not with shoes, nor apparatus, nor private coaching. Ivrit was hard for me, so they found me a private teacher. Whatever I asked for, I got – shoes, running gear, sweat suits. Every two months I need new shoes, which cost hundreds of shekels, because I run out in the field, where there are small stones. WIZO provided me with professional running shoes and other equipment, and I am very grateful to them, I will never forget it. The staff in the school are just looking for ways to help – they are just good people'.

Damasso's parents are separated, one lives in Bet Shemesh and the other in Haifa. He has ten brothers and sisters, and therefore has no financial backing to help him in life or with his training in the youth village, which is costly.

Not only is Damasso an excellent runner, he is also a very good pupil. He successfully obtained his matriculation certificate this year, after learning in the unique 'Police Academy', Sociology and Criminology, at WIZO Nir Haemek. At the same time, he was given the opportunity by the school, as all pupils from Ethiopia, to sit his matriculation examinations in the Amharic language, at five unit level. He was successful in the examination.

Esti Cohen, the Director General of WIZO Nir Haemek says, 'We have absorbed many new immigrants over recent years. We work with the children on raising their self image and their belief in themselves, as well as providing a homely, and supportive atmosphere, surrounded by a sensitive staff who make them feel a part of the dormitory. Individual programs are suited to the needs of each pupil'.

Tova Ben-Dov, Chairperson of the World WIZO Executive. 'WIZO is happy to have the opportunity to help Damasso and to be at his side during this long journey, each and every day, as he continues with his sport. We try and support and encourage every pupil. We give all the immigrant pupils, at WIZO Nir Haemek, special attention, ongoing and in depth, which is bringing results. Our schools specializes in nurturing our pupils, in small classrooms. Our learning methods are unique, and are specially suited to the pupils, some of whom are below average, providing them with extra learning hours, extra coaching and supervising and strengthening their individual talents such as music, sport and art. This investment costs a lot of money, but is worth it's weight in gold. They grow up into caring citizens, the pride of the State of Israel.'

The Gesher Project, is for graduates of the dormitory (over the age of 18), who lack support, both from the financial and the familial aspects. During the framework of the project, WIZO Nir Haemek enables these same girls and boys, to live in the youth village, up to the age of 25. They are looked after by a counselor and staff, who provide financial, familial, and emotional support.

Esti Cohen says, ' We are pleased that Damasso will continue living in WIZO Nir Haemek over the coming years, at the same time as he will serve in the IDF. His next competition will be on the 28th of September and we wish him lots of luck'.