April 24, 2007 World ORT provides a hi-tech environment for Israeli teachers Hard-pressed teachers in some 30 Israeli high schools are to be provided with a full range of equipment to help them prepare lessons and course work thanks to World ORT. As part of World ORTs Kadima Mada (Science Journey) programme, which has already seen state-of-the-art science and technology laboratories installed at most of the participating schools, teachers frantic searches for photocopiers or an available computer will be a thing of the past. Based on a model that has been tried and tested in some ORT schools in the Former Soviet Union, WOTECs (World ORT Teaching Empowerment Centres) will be created in Israeli schools participating in Kadima Mada. Some $2 million will be invested in this over four years, said World ORTs Head of Education and Technology, Vlad Lerner. About $1.2 million will come from World ORT and the rest will be contributed in kind by the municipalities, which will provide rooms, security, furniture, coordinator and insurance. This project contributes directly to the Israeli Ministry of Educations stated goal of supporting classroom teachers and other pedagogical staff to raise educational standards. In addition, teachers from Kadima Mada schools will have the chance to improve and broaden their skills by participating in World ORTs international training seminars. We plan to have teachers from Israel at next months Wingate Seminar, which this year focuses on strategies in e-learning and e-teaching, Mr Lerner said. This is an expression of World ORTs philosophy of training the trainers. We see investment in the staff as a very important aspect of our work because they are the ones moulding the future of our children. The WOTECs are specially designed high-tech staff rooms that feature all the equipment teachers need to prepare their lessons with the minimum of stress and the maximum of efficiency. In addition to working stations for the staff, each WOTEC will provide scanners, photocopiers, printers, digital cameras, internet and intranet connections, photo and video processing software, design and development software, binding equipment and Power Point equipment. The Rodman High School in Kiryat Yam, near Haifa, is one of 30 that is benefiting from World ORT investment. The introduction of WOTECs was a wonderful project, said the Principal of Beer Shevas Makif Alef High School, Smadar Zak. Its just what we need. Giving teachers a quiet corner within the school in which to professionally prepare for lessons with all the necessary equipment and infrastructure will have a significant impact on the way they work. It will make their lives much easier and will improve the level of teaching. In such an environment, teachers will also have the opportunity of benefiting from each others professional expertise. I can even see this as the catalyst for developing pedagogical think tanks. World ORTs Projects Manager in Israel, Sherrie Gazit, added: By empowering the teachers and giving them the necessary tools and resources with which to easily and thoroughly prepare lessons we will be enhancing every pupils chance to improve his or her grades. In addition to the WOTECs, World ORT is also providing at least $300,000 to meet some basic school-related needs of children from poor families. As part of ORT Americas Students in Distress programme, the money will help targeted children to buy sports kit, stationary, uniforms and text books as well as subsidise their participation in school trips and cultural activities. World ORT will be working closely with the suppliers of these goods so we expect to have our $300,000 boosted by donations in kind from them, Mr Lerner said. World ORT is the worlds largest Jewish education and vocational training non-government organisation and has benefited more than 3 million people Jewish and non-Jewish in 100 countries since its foundation in 1880.