ORT and King David join forces

JORDAN MOSHE

In signing the agreement with the SABJE, ORT SA has enhanced its commitment to bring unique tools to high school pupils, better equipping them for the realities of today.

ORT SA, whose motto is “offering skills to take people into the 21st century”, is driven by Jewish values, and reaches people around the globe to help them acquire essential skills.

“ORT has been around for almost 140 years,” says World ORT Chief Executive Avi Ganon, invited to South Africa specifically for this landmark occasion last week, which was attended by high-profile guests.

“Driven by Jewish values, it envisions bridging the gaps which divide people and prevent them from reaching for opportunities. Sixty-five percent of children in primary school today will work in jobs that don’t yet exist. By focusing on the skills which are relevant today, we can help prepare them to maximise the future ahead.”

SABJE Chairperson Eli Ati and Ganon signed a memorandum which will result in King David schools becoming affiliated to ORT and its network, giving students access to an array of resources offered by ORT.

Said SABJE General Director Rabbi Craig Kacev, “This is an initial courtship which we hope will grow into something beneficial for both parties. It is both a privilege and a benefit to partner with an organisation like ORT, and it is certainly something from which students can only gain.”

Israeli Ambassador Lior Keinan (himself an ORT alumnus) told the audience that agreements such as these are becoming increasingly important. “The world is moving with increasing speed towards a technologically driven future,” he says. The skills ORT offers are more crucial than ever. The organisation strives to give people the tools necessary to navigate new areas and solve new problems.”