ORT Mexico’s reputation as a game-changer in the country’s education sector has been reinforced by two significant events in recent weeks: the opening of its own university and the staging of its eighth International Congress of Education Innovation. ORT Mexico University’s initial intake of more than 140 students are sitting diploma, undergraduate and post-graduate courses in Social Entrepreneurship and Administration, Social Responsibility and Entrepreneurship, Environmental Education and Sustainable Development, and Addiction Counselling. The goal is to have 400 students enrolled in degree courses alone by the end of 2020 and the practicality of offering an online degree is also being explored.

ORT Mexico University Rector Dr Moises Salinas Fleitman said initial feedback had shown a high level of satisfaction among lecturers and students and a high level of enthusiasm for the courses.

“In short, we have had an excellent start of operations, and I am sure that our institution will become a by-word for academic excellence, an institution that will contribute significantly to the positive transformation of our society and our country,”? Dr Salinas Fleitman said.

ORT Mexico hopes the university will be an effective agent of social transformation by preparing a new generation of leaders with a social conscience, and the skills needed to design, develop and manage social sector non-profit organizations.

Similarly, ORT Mexico continues to bring world best practice to the country’s schools through the International Congress of Education Innovation, in partnership with the Latin American Association of Educational Innovation.

“It is the most important event on education in Mexico,”? said ORT Mexico National Director Jimmy Salinas. “This year, more than 2,500 teachers and principals came from across the country to learn about the latest trends and innovations in education around the world.”?

The keynote speakers were Dr Bill Rankin, Director of Education & Pedagogies at Apple, Inc., who discussed new trends in the integration of digital technology in the classroom, and Dr Sidney Strauss, a member of World ORT’s Academic Advisory Council, who looked at mental models of learning and their manifestation on how adults teach.

“With its 35 workshops, 10 conferences and keynote presentations, the Congress opens a space for training and reflection where educators can enrich their knowledge and acquire more and better tools for use in schools,”? Dr Salinas said.