In South Asia, ORT programs are not only about vocational training, they serve as a vehicle for the Jewish community to demonstrate its commitment to social justice and economic development in the spirit of Tzedakah.
- India: ORT serves over 3,500 Jews in Bombay and its outlying areas, providing training courses in Jewish education, computer literacy, graphic design, electronics and mechanics and office software, as well as Jewish education and early childhood education. ORT programs have played a vital role in providing vocational training to students from Mizoram and Manipur for 25 years. Since 1980, young students from these remote, hilly provinces have been brought to the ORT India School and Vocational Training Centre in Mumbai to learn trades as well as enhance their Jewish knowledge. In fact, the only kosher bakery in the country - providing kosher bread and confectionery for the local community is operated by ORT India.
Additionally, an Information Technology course, recognized by the Government of Maharashtra includes courses on nutrition and food technology. The IATA (the International Air Transport Association) training course provides vocational training for those wishing to work within India’s tourist industry. The course includes the use of computer reservation systems and graduates receive IATA-UFTAA diplomas.
Sri Lanka: After the 2004 tsunami that devastated mush of Southeast Asia, ORT implemented post tsunami training and trauma counseling to areas of India and Sri Lanka as part of the recovery effort. Over 5 years later, ORT is still on the ground, still meeting social, vocational and educational needs of the local population. Read more
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