by marketing | Jan 24, 2024 | News @ ORT, Old News, Uncategorized
Celebrating International Education Day
We celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, different festivals, and many other occasions to mark special moments. International Education Day is equally important, though perhaps less recognized. A key factor that distinguishes humans from other mammals is our ability to learn, grow, and transfer skills and knowledge. More than this, we have the unique capacity to share this learning, impacting our families and communities.
ORT SA, an education-focused NGO, believes in the transformative power of education. Education exceeds the mere imparting of academic knowledge; it enables individuals to discover their potential, passion, and purpose in life, charting a course towards a better future.
ORT’s STEM, Coding, and Robotics programs in schools, along with our Skills Development courses and Enterprise Development initiatives, have demonstrated that education equips people with the capability and confidence to secure decent work, create enterprises, and contribute positively to their families and communities. Knowledge and skills are essential tools that can lift people out of poverty, increasing opportunities and fostering true empowerment.
However, we must ensure that the power of education reaches every corner. In South Africa, socioeconomic factors still prevent many from accessing quality education and using it as a force for positive change. This is why ORT SA partners with communities, corporates and stakeholders to break down these barriers through targeted programs. By establishing IT-related vocational training, digital skills programs, and entrepreneurship support, we pave the way for youth, women, and other groups to gain employment or start their own ventures.
On this International Day of Education, I call on governments, businesses, and civil society organizations to join hands in strengthening equitable, quality education throughout South Africa. Let’s collaborate to provide technology integration, teacher training, and inclusive education programs, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute to our nation’s progress.
by Hugh C.n. Miller | Jul 20, 2020 | Uncategorized
When Madiba was guest of honour at the 1996 graduation of ORT SA Technology students, he said,
“One tool that will enable people to rise above their circumstances is education, particularly education that leads to the acquisition of marketable tools.”
We continue this legacy during the ORT SA Mandela Week by extending the opportunity to you to join us for 3 amazing webinars that will lead you to acquire marketable tools.
Join us by clicking here for the 3 webinars:
Tuesday 21st July 3 pm -4:07 pm: How to be a Cyber Ninja
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwpf-ivrTgiE9afCQXGsAyzXm-ldtK8BIQ4
by Hugh C.n. Miller | Jul 3, 2020 | Uncategorized
[embeddoc url=”https://www.ortsa.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/ORT-SA-CONTINUES-TO-IMPACT-THROUGH-EDUCATION-July-Newsletter.pdf” viewer=”google”]
by Hugh C.n. Miller | Jun 15, 2020 | Uncategorized
BOOST EQUALITY IN EDUCATION
ORT SA launches the ‘ORT2Connect the Unconnected’ Campaign
A new drive to help South African learners cross the digital divide has been launched by educational NGO, ORT South Africa, which is urging the public to donate devices that are no longer being used.
“Lack of infrastructure and connectivity, along with lack of resources, including devices like smart phones, tablets or laptops, is widening the gap between privileged and less privileged communities,” says Ariellah Rosenberg, ORT SA’s CEO.
“The Coronavirus pandemic and subsequent lockdown highlighted the fact that South Africa is far from ready for online learning, especially for township and rural schools. It is estimated that just 10% of South African households have direct access to the internet. ”
Arthur Goldstuck, founder of World Wide Worx and a veteran analyst of connectivity in South Africa, points out that that the lockdown period highlighted the need for connectivity for all. Goldstuck was named ORT SA’s Honorary IT Ambassador in 2019.
“Almost 4000 teachers and learners have attended ORT SA Coding Clubs and we must, by all means, try to continue these clubs through remote, online learning,” says Rosenberg. “More than 1000 youth are in ORT skills development programmes and some learning digital skills such IT Bridging courses. Our mission is to help make people employable, at the same time as creating employment opportunities.”
According to ORT SA, there is a pressing need to help those in townships and rural areas to connect to the Internet, in field ranging from mathematics to coding to IT skills to work experience.
“This is critical to the future of our country,” says Rosenberg. “We are calling on the public to help us to fast track equality in education.”
ORT SA is also partnering with Computerlab which, together with HP and other partners, has launched a device programme for the underprivileged. It will use the expertise across these organisations to repair devices, as well as installing software and sorting out licensing.
Monetary donations can be made at www.ortsa.org.za/donations. Those who wish to donate digital devices can call Nelly at 011 728 7154 or email nelly@ortsa.org.za
by Hugh C.n. Miller | Apr 7, 2020 | Uncategorized
(Insight from Webinar http://www.ort.mx organised by ORT University Mexico)
by ORT SA CEO, Ariellah Rosenberg.
One of the things that Covid19 brought with (together with worldwide chaos and uncertainty) is the understanding, that this is a crisis, in its full definition; the virus targets human lives, is unexpected, it creates uncertainties and poses a threat to human existence.
Another interesting phenomena is happening, almost parallel to the spread of the virus; the break through of usage of virtual platforms such as Zoom, MS Teams, Google Hangouts and YouTube streaming. Many of the online webinars and forums are dealing with the crisis in various ways, from the psychological to professional and economic impacts.
One of the most interesting virtual webinar I attended, recently, was organised by the University of ORT Mexico and World ORT, discussing ‘education in times of crisis’. What I found enlightening in the discussion by top professors in the field of education, is the forward thinking and ‘out of the box’ ideas that were shared with almost 500 participants from all over the world.
Ms. Mariana Ludmila Cortés who is the former Vice-president for development of One Laptop Per Child (OLPC), where she traveled to over 40 countries developing and implementing large scale education projects for disadvantaged children, claimed that there is a crisis in education worldwide, regardless of Covid19. According to World Bank (2018), globally, 6 out of 10 children and youth are not meeting proficiency levels in reading and mathematics despite of completing years of schooling in the developing world. The Learning crisis calls us to be specific with the terms we are using while trying to tackle the problem. Learning vs Teaching ; Education vs Schooling. She suggested that we need to change HOW we deliver education and urged people to take charge of their own learning.
Prof. Sidney Strauss Director of Research at Ammachilabs, professor at Amrita University and former Professor of Education has vast years of research in education. He shared the finding, that children are able to teach each other (from as early as one year old). Teaching is natural to human beings. He claims that evidence in caves of our ancestors shows that, already at the times when human were making stone tools, they had managed to transfer the knowledge.
If this is the case, what are the implications on education? we need to rethink of schools and the roles they play. We need to find ways to harness this natural ability of people to teach and for children to teach each other.
Prof. Moisés Salinas Fleitman Rector of the ORT University Mexico, examined the roles of education in times of crisis. In addition to the obvious roles of being a source of reassurance , reducing stress and ensuring delivery of practical and psychological tools to confront the crisis, he added that the crisis could be seen as an opportunity for innovation. Crisis has a disruptive manner and it could be a tool for us to switch from threat to opportunity for innovation in education.
I do believe that, we now have an opportunity to analyse the disruption in a creative and collaborative manner. We could learn from different industries and how they have been adjusting to the changes (such as communicating and expanding stakeholders networks through virtual platforms). We also have to be mindful about those communities that do not have the privilege of technology and accessibility to connectivity.
by Hugh C.n. Miller | Mar 16, 2020 | Uncategorized
Dear All
We are all aware of the pandemic of the COVID19 and understand that in this times of uncertainties, it is best to stick to regulations and keep ourselves and staff informed as much as possible.
Yesterday, in his address to the nation, President, Mr Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the actions to be taken to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.
The following is the list of measures announced by Cyril Ramaphosa:
https://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/coronavirus-all-the-latest-news-about-covid-19-in-south-africa-and-the-world-20200312
- A national state of disaster is declared in terms of the Disaster Management Act.
- Travel ban on high risk countries from 18 March 2020.
- SA Citizens to not travel to high risk countries.
- Gatherings of more than 100 people is prohibited.
- Large events and celebrations are cancelled.
- Schools closed from Wed 18 March until Easter weekend.
- working closely with unis, colleges etc. to increase hygiene and put other appropriate responses in place.
- Businesses are called upon to take measures to intensify hygiene control.
- Surveillance and testing systems are being strengthened at hospitals.
- Partnering with the private sector to develop a tracing, tracking and monitoring system for all those affected by coronavirus.
- Calling on everyone to take various personal measures as previously stated (hygiene, elbow greetings, etc.).
- Package to be put together as a response to the economic impact of the disease.
- Establishment of National Command Council chaired by Pres to meet 3 times a week to coordinate responses to pandemic.
What are we doing at ORT SA
Our plan of action is guided by ensuring the wellness of our staff and of our beneficiaries. https://www.ortsa.org.za/summing-up-2019/ We will be examining the guidelines from government and WHO (World Health Organisation) on a daily basis and will take the necessary precautions to avoid contraction of the virus and ensure the safety of all. At the moment, government’s recommendation is to avoid gatherings of more than 100 people. We are planning to take extra precaution of not more than 40 people in certain workshops and on condition that at least one meter space is kept between each person.
Operations
- All our workshops and talks run by ORT Jet have been cancelled till further notice. The reason for this is that, at the moment, many of the people carrying the COVID19 have been overseas and many of the participants of these workshops have either been overseas or been in touch with someone that has been overseas.
- The training run by the ORT SA Skills Academy will carry on in smaller groups of up to 20-25 people per group ensuring safe distance from each other
- STEM training, carries on with IT Essential (a group of less than 20 people) and with the NW IT Bridging course (32 beneficiaries)
- We will re-examine the above on a daily basis
HR
While the office is to remain open and operational, we will try our best to ensure that staff keeps to the hygiene guidelines. Special attention will be given to higher risk employees (TB, Hypertension, Pregnancy, HIV/AIDS and Diabetes).
We advise that anyone hosting youth or beneficiaries for training or workplace experience adhere to these simple rules:
1. Washing hands regularly, don’t touch your face
The best method to prevent Coronavirus is by washing hands for 20 seconds with soap and water. Soap dissolves the fatty membrane holding the virus together and disintegrate when it comes in contact with soap and water. The way the virus spreads is through respiratory droplets (from a cough or a sneeze) getting into your nose, mouth or eyes. This is why it is recommended not to touch your face and cough into your elbow.
In addition, hand sanitizers will be available at central areas around ORT, including, at reception, for all training, in the upstairs area, at security hut and in our car.
2. Social Distancing
Minimise physical contact with others. Stop shaking hands (do the ‘CR elbow shake’) and don’t hug. Keep at least one meter from people in seating and meetings.
3. If anyone is feeling sick – speak to manager
If any staff experience any of the Coronavirus symptoms such as fever, coughing, problems breathing, they should alert their HOD or HR or line manager for further instructions or guidelines.
At the moment we are going with the motto that prevention is better than cure and putting measures in place to reduce the risk as much as possible.
Yours in education
Ariellah
CEO ORT SA
