. In the first improvised classes we gave in crowded rooms in the shelters we found that the boys were eager to study, eager to learn about Israel, eager to learn Hebrew. Through the dialogue we had with them we found that their mother tongue is quite similar to Hebrew, which made us realize we have historical and cultural overlaps. Their journey to Israel made us realize that we live in the same geographical region, and their choice to come here made more and more sense to us. From the classes we learned that Africa is a heterogeneous continent as the boys had different levels of education and ways of knowing the world. Some mastered a few languages and had a very good idea of the history of Africa and of world's geography while others had little chance to get school education, and their way of studying the world was guided by other factors.
We felt it is important to establish a youth center where the young boys and girls will be able to feel at home, study after their working hours, and will be able to meet with Israelis who won't be their employers, or the State's officials but their friends, teachers and mentors. In the instability and insecurity which surrounds young African refugees regarding their future in Israel and their identity, young boys and girls who fled Africa leaving their families and homes behind, it is important to establish a secure space, which will be available them, waiting for them whenever they need.
