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And then there was light…

And then there was light…

by | Mar 16, 2018 | Uncategorized

 Let there be light.
Let there be light 

 

‘ I want you to know that you have changed my life completely. ‘

 

Privy to dwindling resources, in a time of water shortages and contemporary complications of the political kind that have dire effects on our ability to switch our lights on and off… there is hope yet. We refuse to let the darkness persist. A country that has the ability to stay hopeful breeds a population that is able to do the same in times of cynicism. Our collective history is one that has been filled with dark tales but rays of sunshine have managed to seep in.

On the particular day that brought me to this account, my special ray of sunshine came in the form of a letter in the drawer next to my desk. This discovery just happened to take place as I was perusing a vintage ORT South Africa folder- a forgotten letter in one of the ORT South Africa files nearly as old as myself, containing a testimonial from a particular student dated the 12th of December 1999. As i skimmed through the hand-writing, the words were reminiscent of the newly appointed President’s ‘Send Me’ SONA speech and peaked my imagine. In this context, it would be safe to desribe it as a proverbial light bulb moment.

As an ORT South Africa intern and familiarising myself with an organisation that is actively making a difference I can’t help but want to embody this difference that I see. The unfortunate nature of modern civilisation – and my generation in particular- has shaped many a millennial into taking for granted the efforts of many ordinary citizens within non-profit organisations like ORT South Africa. As the Y-Generation that has a centralised focus on their individual selves , we need to remind ourselves of the values of Ubuntu that should be ingrained as a united as a people of the African continent.

 

‘ I want you to know that you have changed my life completely. ‘

the letter reads..

‘ I can see where I stand now because of this foundation, not to me only that you have brought light but to all the young and old that you have helped. ‘ 

 

The long standing impact that these programmes have, shaping individuals and ultimately shaping their communities and the world, the discovery of this letter lead me to a journey of contemplation. ORT South Africa is affiliated to the international mother organisation World ORT which was established in Russia in 1880. The universal theme that underpins this organisation is not blatant hand-outs but rather a hand up. Being a player in the international arena is further proof of the organisation’s consistency and determination to make the world of difference to me, to you and to everyone that it can possibly reach. It’s important to remember always… It may be dark at fist, but surely there will be light at the end of the tunnel.

The Role of CSI and NGO’s in Fixing Education in South Africa

The Role of CSI and NGO’s in Fixing Education in South Africa

by | Nov 18, 2016 | Uncategorized

The CEO of ORT SA, Ariellah Rosenberg writes:

Poverty, global warming, the impact of terrorism and war- stricken zones on populations, labour abuse and failing education systems… When reading the news on printed and social media, one may be left wondering, with all the crises facing humanity, who is supposed to fix them all?
Alice Korngold, in her book “A Better World”, argues that the best suited to solving some of the world’s most pressing problems are the multinational corporations. They can reach millions of people, they have the cash to spend and come to think of it, helping solving the world’s problems can actually improve their bottom line! According to the WHO, World Health Organisation, in low income countries, 17% of the population lives to 70 years old where in high income countries 71% of the population lives to 70 years old. Businesses need healthy employees and consumers. Thus solving the world’s problems creates new market opportunities.
Korngold also indicates that companies should collaborate with NGO’s as they can accomplish much more together than they could do on their own. NGO’s have a lot to offer business; they can provide expertise, networking opportunities and increase credibility of companies. Non-profits have their own proven approaches for solving important social, environmental and economic problems; skills that are vital to any company trying solve any of these matters.
ORT worldwide is at the forefront of education and skills training and has built the expertise and know-how in dealing with educational crises, systems and schooling over the 136 years of its existance. ORT SA seeks partnerships with corporates and other NGO’s to overcome the education crisis South Africa faces.