One of the biggest problems for people leaving the Charedi community is a
lack of secular education. At 13, boys are sent to Yeshivas, where they spend long days studying only religious texts.
As a result, a large proportion of our new members come to us without any qualifications. Sometimes, they are barely able to speak basic English, let alone read or write in English, despite having been brought up in the UK. Basic maths skills are also severely lacking. Some adults may not be able to tell the time on a clock – a skill most of us learn as young children – or have any concept of what a scientific experiment is.
Girls fare slightly better – some of our female members will have taken a few GCSEs – but very few will have had the opportunity to take ‘A’ levels, and none have a university qualification.
GesherEU helps our members to access education so that they can catch up on what they’ve missed and gain vital qualifications and skills. We offer grants and work with other charities who provide these educational opportunities, especially in basic English and Maths, but also in Science and vocational subjects.
As a result, many of our members go on to further or higher education, or take professional qualifications. Some of our members go on to become lawyers, accountants or academics.
Our commitment to education goes beyond helping our members study and gain qualifications. We also work hard to increase awareness of the education issues in the Charedi communities, in the hope that we can improve the situation for those who remain there. Making our voices heard on this subject also helps our members to feel empowered.
Over the years, we have spoken to the Department of Education, Ofsted, the Commission for Countering Extremism, the Home Office, LB Hackney, the Police, Members of the House of Lords and several MPs.
GesherEU has also responded to a number of government ‘Requests for Information’ including, for example, on home education.
Our founder Emily’s presentations have been well received by both Jewish and non-Jewish audiences. She has taken part in a number of BBC radio broadcasts, including an interview on Woman’s Hour on 7th September 2022 after 23m 59s . These, together with interviews and articles by and about other members, have increased public awareness of the issues that make choices so limited for those living in the Charedi communities, and the journey out so difficult.
FREEDOM – CHOICE – COMMUNITY
GesherEU supports people in the UK who have either left a Charedi community, or are considering doing so, to integrate into the wider world.
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