Or Feldman Salem, Photo by Geoff Pegler, Geoff Pegler Photography ( As part of SINGA business accelerator program 2024)
Dear all,
I would like to share something about things happening behind the scenes. My name is Or Feldman-Salem, and in August 2023, my friend Nigist started asking me questions I enjoyed answering. Not long after, she asked me to join her on her journey in Ha Hu, realising that we share a vision.
Becoming a co-founder of Ha Hu has been a deeply meaningful step in my life—a culmination of years of shared dreams and conversations with Nigist, the inspiring founder of Ha Hu. Our connection began in the playgrounds of Switzerland, where our children played together while we talked about what it means to preserve culture, heritage, and language in a rapidly changing world.
As expats raising our children in a Swiss environment, we often reflected on the importance of ensuring our kids stay connected to their roots. We wanted them to grow up proudly feeling Ethiopian and Israeli while embracing their Swiss identity. It was clear to us that this cultural balance would prepare them to navigate and appreciate the world’s diversity without losing themselves. We dreamed of our children—and children everywhere—becoming bridges between their past and future, creating connections between their heritage and their new homes, and ultimately, making the world better.
Why Ha Hu Matters
Joining Ha Hu felt like a natural extension of these aspirations. HaHu’s mission to combat learning poverty and preserve linguistic heritage resonates deeply with me. It’s not just about teaching children how to read and write—it’s about empowering them to stay rooted in their cultural identities while embracing the global community. Through Ha Hu, we can help children learn about their past, stay connected to their roots, and grow into confident, culturally aware individuals.
Bridging My Background with Ha Hu’s Vision
With a strong background in children’s culture, specialising in educational technology and innovation, coupled with my experience in the startup world, I’ve always been driven by a passion for creating meaningful tools that empower young minds. Tools that prepare children for tomorrow’s challenges and nurture critical thinking and moral values. Joining Ha Hu and working alongside Nigist has allowed me to unite all these elements into a unified mission: helping children flourish in a multicultural world while safeguarding the stories and traditions defining their identity.
Ha Hu is more than just a platform; it’s a bridge that connects generations, languages, and cultures, fostering understanding and celebrating diversity. It also serves as a vital link between communities abroad and back home, ensuring both thrive and flourish. When someone uses Ha Hu outside the country, they also contribute to the home community, creating a cultural capsule that binds everyone together. This shared platform strengthens ties, supports cultural preservation, and unites people through a common purpose, empowering individuals and communities to grow together.
A Shared Vision for the Future
Nigist’s vision has always inspired me. She has built Ha Hu as a platform for learning and growth, starting with Amharic and Tigrigna, two Semitic languages central to Ethiopian heritage. Together, we’re working to expand this platform to other languages and cultures, ensuring that more children—whether in Ethiopia, Israel, or India—have access to engaging, culturally rich learning tools. Ha Hu enables them to connect with their heritage while fostering curiosity about the world around them.
A Personal Mission
Becoming part of Ha Hu means I can actively contribute to preserving the languages and cultures that shape who we are. It’s a way for me to honour my roots while building a future where children don’t have to choose between identities but can embrace all of them. I am grateful to Nigist for inviting me to join her on this journey, and I’m excited to bring my experience and passion to this incredible mission.
Looking Ahead
At Ha Hu, we believe that education is a powerful tool for preserving culture, fostering understanding, and building bridges between people and places. Together, we’re not just teaching children how to read and write; we’re equipping them with the tools to embrace their identities and create a better world.
To all the parents, educators, and supporters who share our vision, thank you for being part of this journey.
Let’s rewrite the story of education, one script at a time!
Or Feldman Salem & Nigist Goytom, Photo by Geoff Pegler, Geoff Pegler Photography ( As part of SINGA business accelerator program 2024)