The NAM Program (an acronym in Hebrew for Outstanding Arab Youth), part of the “Yedidim Atidim” (Hebrew for “Future Friends”) organization founded and funded by Eitan Wertheimer, brings talented young Arab men and women from disadvantaged backgrounds to the Technion.
The NAM program (an acronym in Hebrew for Outstanding Arab Youth) at the Technion will salute its first one hundred graduates at an event to be held at the Technion, with the central lecture to be given by Nobel Prize Laureate, Research Professor Dan Shechtman, on “The Importance of an Engineering-Scientific Education.” Mr. Eitan Wertheimer, the founder and primary supporter of the program, will also participate in the event, along with Technion President, Professor Peretz Lavie, and the heads of high-tech companies where NAM graduates are already working at.
Samar Jamama is one of these graduates, holding a BSc in Industrial Engineering and Management from the Technion. Today he works at the Nazareth branch of Amdocs. Born and raised in Yafia (located in the Lower Galilee), Samar is the oldest of four children. His father, a construction worker, invests in the future of his children. “Don’t be like me,” he tells them, “I’m 46 years old and already tired.”
Samar studied at the high school in his village. The principal recommended him for the NAM program. He underwent the acceptance tests and interviews, and was accepted. “I always knew that one day I would find myself at the Technion,” he said. “Even if I wouldn’t have been accepted to the program I would have worked for a couple of years and saved up so that I could go to the Technion. NAM paid for my pre-university “Mechina” studies, dorms and tuition, and freed me from financial burden. All of the expenses are paid for by the program. We also received support in preparing for the psychometric exam, as well as access to social workers who helped solve personal problems; I am grateful to Shirley who has become a second mother to me.”
Samar is referring to Shirley Yogev, the program director. Samar also speaks warmly about Eitan Wertheimer who opened for him and his friends the gates of the Technion and an entrance way to higher education. “I volunteer at my old school, giving tutoring lessons. I also represent my Faculty at open days, introducing the benefits of studying at the Technion to potential candidates, on a voluntary basis. This is the least I can do in return and in gratitude to the NAM program for all it gave me. Today I work in development and want to pursue a master’s degree. Of course I’d like to continue my studies at the Technion. It’s true that you study hard here but I love this university. I come here every Sunday, even when I’m not studying. The NAM program is a bridge to the Technion for young Arab men and women. The “Mechina” softens the shock of the transition from high school. Everyone in my village has heard about NOAM and aspires to be accepted to the program.”
NAM opened in July 2006. Currently, some 280 students are enrolled in the program.