43 Schools Established in Jewish Colonies by J.D.C. Dr. Joseph Rosen Reports

Forty-three Jewish elementary schools were built in the three regions of Jewish colonization in Russia, under Agro-Joint supervision up to January 1928, according to a report from Dr. Joseph A. Rosen, director of the colonization work, to David A. Brown, national chairman of the United Jewish Campaign. Of these, fifteen are in the Cherson area, fifteen in Crimea, and thirteen in Krivoi-Rog. During the year 1928, 19 new schools will be built; 9 in the Cherson region; 6 in Crimea, and 4 in Krivoi-Rog.

Of the 43 schools already functioning, 14 are housed in homes renovated to meet the need, while the other 29 were especially built for the purpose by the Agro-Joint.

The buildings are of stone, in two wings, with wide windows and roofs of brick. In addition to building the schools, the Agro-Joint furnishes all the equipment and furniture necessary. In cases where the local “narobraz” (Board of Public Education) is unable to pay the teachers’ salaries, the Agro-Joint undertakes to do this. The Parents’ organizations take care of the heating, cleaning, and general supervision of the schools.

The schools are built in open spaces, at the end of the village, always facing south, and in those places where there are rivers, they are invariably built facing the river.

In addition to the building of schools for children, the Agro-Joint is devoting effort to the agricultural education of the adults in the colonies, Fifty young men from different colonies were recently sent to take a six weeks’ course in the cultivation of vineyards under the supervision of the celebrated Russian expert, Prof. Kipen. When these young colonists complete their studies, they will supervise the work of their respective colonies in vine-growing.