Friends of Yemin Orde - Village Spotlight: Alona Poupesheva

Village Spotlight: Graduate Alona Poupesheva

Since her graduation from Yemin Orde in 2003, Alona Poupesheva, has achieved great success in her life thanks to the foundation of love and encouragement she received as a child at the Village. Alona recalls the unlimited emotional support she received from the staff and informal educators, 24/7. She learned to believe in herself and to believe that she could accomplish anything she set out to do.

“Yemin Orde was and always will be my first home. It is a place where I have always felt protected and loved,” Alona said.

Alona was born in the former Soviet Union in 1984. She arrived at Yemin Orde when she was 16 years old, alone, leaving behind her parents and older brother. Alona said she came to Israel because it offered a better life and more freedoms than in her homeland.

Alona said she felt at home at Yemin Orde right away. She remembers the special atmosphere on Shabbat, where there was singing and time for long talks with Village staff. Alona also recalled the unique activities and celebrations at Yemin Orde, and the wonderful way the staff honored different cultures in the Village, such as the Ethiopian Sigd celebrations or the 9th of May, a significant day for the children from the FSU.

While at Yemin Orde, Alona was extremely motivated to succeed. As a high school senior, she was chosen to visit Poland, an experience which she describes as “life-changing.” Her Tikkun Olam activities included volunteering at an afternoon clubhouse for young Ethiopian children in Hadera, not far from the Village. At the Village, she learned to love giving to others, and believes that community service and volunteering are important aspects to her life as an adult, as well.

“Yemin Orde is a place which is full of life and full of opportunities. So much is offered to the children and, as children, it is hard to understand the value of these opportunities,” said Alona. “I remember the Village as a place full of life, an ingathering of kids from all over the world.”

After graduation from the Village in 2003, Alona enlisted in the army’s elite Canine Unit, where she served with distinction. She was then accepted to Hebrew University where she graduated with a BA in Political Science and International Relations. Following college graduation, she served as an assistant to a Member of the Knesset. Alona is now studying toward a Masters degree in Public Administration and is working part-time for the Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI).

Alona said she misses life at the Village - the warmth of the staff, the serene view of the Mediterranean Sea and the security among her friends. As a graduate, Alona returned often to the Village to visit with staff members and to receive guidance on issues that confronted her. While in the IDF, she spent many holidays and weekends at the Village to visit with other graduate soldiers and children.

Alona is a very proud independent young woman, grateful for where she is today. “I believe that it is important to always move forward and to give all that you have in order to succeed.”