PACT: A World of Discovery

Parent-hosted class birthday parties are a highlight for Israeli kindergarteners.

So, when Tamar’s mother, Zilet, repeatedly refused to host a class birthday party for her daughter, the child’s teacher turned to the PACT educational liaison with a request that she explain the importance of the custom to the child’s Ethiopian-Israeli mother.

The liaison quickly discovered that the significance of the custom was not the problem.  The conversation between the liaison and Zilet revealed the true source of Zilet’s reluctance: Zilet could not read the teacher’s letter which detailed the party supplies needed.  Zilet was concerned that she would buy the wrong items, and that, instead of a festive day to remember, the party would be an embarrassment to herself and to her daughter.

The liaison went a step beyond translating the letter.  She suggested that Zilet join other parents whose children would soon be celebrating birthdays in their trip to the supermarket.  Zilet accompanied the parents of Tamar’s classmates and purchased special party favors to make Tamar’s birthday a special one.

The educational liaison did much more than bridge a cultural gap.  She broke down a barrier of resistance, and as a result opened up a world of discovery for Tamar and Zilet.