ORT launches educational program for Ethiopian Jewry

The Israel based World ORT Kadima Mada (WOKM) organisation is launching a new initiative to help young Ethiopian Jews who don’t have the resources to learn basic skills and needed for the for the modern professional world of work.

WOKM’s workshops and instructors will facilitate science and technology skills building, a program that will reach some 300 Ethiopian Jewish students aged 14 to 21.

The students will learn how to “construct their resumes, prepare for job interviews, learn communication skills, and receive an introduction to innovation and entrepreneurship,” a statement from ORT said.

Dr. Moshe Leiba, WOKM Deputy Director General and Chief Pedagogical Officer said: “Ethiopia is a beautiful country with kind and welcoming people. The SSEJ learning centre is full of young men and women eager to move to Israel and celebrate their Judaism. They are embracing Jewish studies and culture and learning Hebrew while gaining knowledge. I am inspired by the eager young students discussing their future aspirations.”

The Jewish community in Ethiopia, of which some 14,000 live in poverty, practices traditional Judaism, keeping kosher and celebrating Shabbat and Jewish holidays while many of them speak and understand Hebrew.

“The goal of this program is to give Ethiopian Jews the tools they need to succeed.,” Dan Green, World ORT Director General and CEO, said.

“Our ORT mission is to improve lives worldwide through education, training, and technical assistance – just as we have done through this program in 101 countries over the past 62 years.”