ORT SA BGM 2020

by Hugh C.n. Miller | Oct 2, 2020 | Old News

ORT SA BGM 2020

“Honouring our Legacy and re Shaping the Future”

Johannesburg, South Africa, 22nd September 

The ORT SA BGM 2020 was hosted successfully online for the very first time highlighting our paramount digital transformation this year.

ORT SA rose to the challenge by moving from the traditional classroom teaching for their learners, to using online digital methods. 

Dan Green, World ORT CEO, Chief Rabbi Dr Warren Goldstein and Israeli ambassador Lior Keinan, all addressed the attendees.

The theme at the ORT SA BGM 2020 was “Honouring our Legacy, Reshaping the Future” with Prof Barry Dwolatzky, JCSE at Wits University as the Keynote Speaker for the evening and new unit of the ORT SA National Executive Committee.

“The Digital Transformation has been fast-tracked due to COVID-19 and our primary function should be to focus on getting businesses online and familiar with the Digital World”.

The current situation in the world and the Coronavirus pandemic has lead us into unprecedented times. Prof Barry Dwolatzky, who has recently joined the ORT SA NEC Board, touched on the issues of the current and future workplace.  Not only were we thrust into a new way of learning and teaching, but also into a new way of thinking, in our daily lives and everyday business routines.

The Coronavirus forced companies to allow their employees to work remotely from home or shut down. While most companies went the route of #WFH, some companies were unable to do so and after many years of providing a service or product have shut down.

ORT SA’s commendable achievements were acknowledged by the ORT SA NEC committee and supportive World ORT members. The story of ORT and its story of change is clear, evoking that the greatest gift is sharing skills and knowledge with others.

“I have been inspired by this community for making it through this year which truly shows the greatness of the human spirit,” said Chief Rabbi Dr Warren Goldstein. “The work that ORT and ORT Jet does is so important by giving people skills, knowledge and insight to improve themselves” he added. “This is true empowerment, by helping others reach their full potential and contribute to the economy- this comes from education,” he said  

“It has been an honour to be associated with this organisation” Chief Rabbi Dr Warren Goldstein concluded.  

Dan Green, Director General and CEO of World ORT and Rabbi Craig Kacev, General Director of SABJE, announced the “Permanent affiliation of SABJE to World ORT”

Rabbi Kacev noted, “ORT has over the past years been a faithful and dedicated partner of Jewish Education”. King David, Herzlia and the other Jewish schools have benefitted from their guidance in technology education, teacher training and outreach and upliftment initiatives to fellow South Africans.”

“The move to a permanent affiliation is an honour, said Rabbi Kacev, one which SABJE will work on and not take for granted and ensure that it is nurtured for the mutual benefit and synergy of SABJE and ORT.

Rabbi Kacev concluded, “ORT is a big network and it will take some time for the King David Schools to feel the bond with the entire network, but this will develop over the years ahead” 

Dan Green, in his address, said:  “

“Two of the pillars of World ORT today are Tikkun Olam, repairing the world, which I’m sure you are all familiar with and Tikkun Am – which is essentially the creative and significant flourishing of the Jewish people.

I can’t think of a better example around the ORT world where these two philosophies reside together with such tremendous results than in ORT SA”

Just like the goal of Tzedakah, comes from the route of Tzedek, its right, it’s just. It’s an equitable redistribution. If someone has been blessed with more, then they have the privilege and responsibility of helping someone who has less, but not that they should always remain needy.

The point is to help them to become independent – giving them life skills. We all know about teaching a man or woman to fish….The most important thing is to give someone dignity, to give someone the ability and opportunity to make something of themselves. Dan concluded by linking this to ORT’s vision of educating for life.

CEO of ORT SA, Ariellah Rosenberg was commended by Dan Green, from World ORT for her tremendous leadership, courage and dedication to the organisation upholding the vision of World ORT– “educating for life” 

“Covid19 and lockdown implications worldwide, have demonstrated the opportunities for disruption in education and schooling. It is the perfect timing to formalise the affiliation of SABJE to World ORT.

World ORT, is known for its cutting edge technologies in education and worldwide network of schools. I, therefore, envisage collaboration and interventions that promote 21st Century skills, project based learning that develop analytical and investigative skills and, most importantly, the connection with people to enhance the Social and EQ intelligence of our youth.” said Ariellah Rosenberg.

For more info visit www.ortsa.org.za