One of the biggest problems affecting Jewish communities in the Former Soviet Union today is the lack of qualified teachers in Jewish studies. Teachers are brought to some schools from Israel, a costly arrangement that is difficult to sustain. The Beit Chana Women's Pedagogical College was established in 1995 in Dnepropetrovsk, Ukraine to address this problem.
To date, it is one of two Jewish post-secondary institutions for teacher training in the CIS.
Beit Chana admits Jewish girls with ninth- or eleventh-grade education, for study terms of three or four years respectively. Students reside at Beit Chana at no cost, with their basic living expenses fully covered.
There are 140 girls attending the College from Ukraine, Russia, Belarus, Moldova and Azerbaijan.
The College is licensed and accredited by the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, awarding degrees that allow graduates to work in any public or private schools of the FSU.
Curricula for Jewish studies have been developed and are upgraded in collaboration with the Orot Israel College, Beit Chana's primary partner. Israel's Ministry of Education recognizes degrees from Beit Chana.
Beit Chana has three faculties: Primary school teaching, Pre-school teaching, and Pre-school music teaching.
Supplementary lectures by visiting experts, educational seminars, excursions, fieldwork, conferences and web-broadcasts are all indispensable parts of the educational process at the College. Beit Chana is known for its students' proficiency in English and Hebrew.
Most instructors of Judaic studies are from Israel. To maintain high professional standards, teachers regularly attend seminars, training and upgrading courses.
At Beit Chana, teaching on educational information technologies is emphasized. In-depth courses are taught to all students throughout the entire study term.
During extra classes and workshops, students of the Information Technology Center master the art of computer design, issue magazines and books, create web-pages, and support the Beit Chana web-site.
Beit Chana may be the only College in Ukraine to ensure immediate job placement for its graduates, at a rate nearing 100 percent. Job offers awaiting Beit Chana graduates usually exceed the number of graduates.
Over 250 young professionals have already graduated from the College. While many have chosen to make aliya, more than 100 graduates work in Jewish educational institutions across the FSU.
Beit Chana strives to support its alumni. It initiated a "BeYachad" program to serve graduates and other Jewish teachers at the outset of their career.
Housed in the sophisticated College's Jewish Methodological Center, "BeYachad" provides consultations and referrals to FSU Jewish schools, conducts extensive research and evaluation, organizes training for Jewish instructors, and publishes teaching guides and manuals on Jewish subjects.
The "BeYachad" program engages leading Israeli methodologists and works closely with similar Centers in Russia and Ukraine. Through program activities and networking, Beit Chana can access a wide number of Jewish educators all over the FSU.
The College's international connections have played an important role in advancing education. Thanks to Beit Chana's partnership with the Orot Israel Academic College, Beit Chana students participate in the Intensive Summer Jewish Studies Program upon completing their third and fourth years.
This program lasts 13 weeks, combining intense study with various fieldtrips, a variety of cultural experiences, and opportunities to meet prominent Israelis - artists, writers and statesmen. Together with its American partner, the University of Alabama, the Orot Israel College trains Beit Chana faculty.
Another significant joint undertaking is the training of final-year students through informal education and extra-curricular activities - a program that offers students unique teaching skills that are always in demand.
Since 1999, Beit Chana has been operating a Special Needs Education Resource Center (ERC) - a joint project with the Boston Jewish Community. The ERC provides educational and therapeutic services for children with multiple disabilities.
ERC staff provides medical and psychological consultations for affected families and leads a social rehabilitation program. Beit Chana students undergo a course on work with special needs children, as well as practice teaching. Beit Chana also works with the Step-by-Step Educational Foundation of Ukraine on similar issues.
The College is proud of its community outreach and cultural activities. Students return to Jewish traditions, participate in charities, work with the elderly, special needs children and other at-risk groups.
The Beit Chana Choir and Dance Group perform at concerts and holiday celebrations across Ukraine. The College participates in culture festivals.
There are various clubs - the English Club, Jewish Family Club and Fine Manners Club - and workshops on journalism, drama, embroidery, cooking, and art.
If you would like to learn more about the Beit Chana College, please visit their web-site at www.bethana.com.ua
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