Fighting Back: COVID-19

Fighting Back: How ORT is responding to COVID-19

As another difficult week draws to a close for the ORT network – and the entire world – here is a selection of stories and ideas from our schools, students, teachers and leaders about how to respond to coronavirus with positive and thoughtful digital initiatives.

A Message from World ORT’s President: Adapting to changing times for 140 years

Earlier this month, the Jerusalem Post interviewed World ORT President Dr. Conrad Giles. While the conversation was primarily about ORT’s 140th anniversary celebrations, the discussion inevitably evolved into coronavirus-related topics. This presented Dr. Giles with an opportunity to explain why this global crisis will not derail ORT’s work.

ORT’s ability to adapt to the world around us and our innovative approach has enabled us to take care of our students and teachers for the past 140 years, in times of peace or war, and whenever and wherever the need has existed.

As Dr. Giles explains, we are in the best possible position to do the same again now.

Mexico: Working tirelessly to help others

This open letter from Amelie Esquenazi, ORT’s Networking Coordinator for Latin America, charts the impact coronavirus has on ORT schools, students and teachers across the continent – and the amazing lengths they are going to in order to help others in the wider community.

Our teachers and students have been adapting to the circumstances and ensuring education can continue from their homes, despite the challenges this entails.

To support the network, ORT has launched a Virtual Volunteer initiative – and we need your help. If you have skills, experience and expertise that could help ORT students, learn about how you can contribute and use this difficult time to do something meaningful.

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#ORTEnCasa

ORT Argentina has launched #ORTEnCasa, an online campaign to promote awareness among the ORT Argentina community about the importance of staying at home. Watch the video message below from World ORT President Dr. Conrad Giles to learn more.

Keeping busy – and in touch

ORT South Africa Cape has designed a great initiative to help their community who is not able to take part in regular training programs over the coming weeks.

Every few days, ORT SA Cape staff are sending Whatsapp messages to their team suggesting an idea or an activity they could do at home with their children.

CIM-ORT in Mexico has launched a wonderful project called My Friend from ORT, which creates bonds between ORT students around the world by creating Whatsapp groups of like-minded young people who use the platform to share their experiences and enjoy virtual hangouts.

ORT Russia students are posting images of their distance learning experiences on social media with the hashtags #ORTstudy, #ортучится and #ORTnameofthecity.

ORT Day Winners

Photo Competition

Congratulations to the students of ORT Mishpahteinu Secondary School #12, Kazan, Russia. This was the favorite photo chosen by ORT’s panel of judges. The winning team will receive $140.

Global Quiz

Congratulations to the winning teams:

1st place: ORT Tallinn Jewish School, Estonia – $140
2nd place: School #1311, ORT “Tekhiya”, Russia – $100
3rd place: ORT Herzl Technology Lyceum, Moldova – $60

Congratulations to the runners-up:

ORT Technology School (Gymnasium #1540), Russia
ORT Liceo Renzo Levi, Italy
Secondary School #12, ORT “Mishpahteinu”, Russia
Secondary School #94, ORT, Ukraine

Bridging the gap between aptitude and opportunity

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