ORT SA Cape celebrates Grade R educators’ graduation

Jodi Sher (YAD Chairman), Alexis Gillis, Robert Brozin, Dale Smiedt, Fiona Sacks, Samantha Sher, Taryn Solomon and Anthony Jacobs.

Susan Koegelenberg (ORT SA Cape facilitator); Dr Lydia Abel (Director of ORT SA Cape); and Grade R educators.

ORT SA Cape celebrated the graduation of 108 Grade R teachers at the Whale Well venue, kindly donated by the Iziko South African Museum, on Friday 1 June.

This is a milestone! The course contributes 15 credits in Life Skills: Science and Technology, which go towards a full Grade R teacher’s qualification.

ORT SA Cape has facilitated and managed these courses in Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Overberg, Darling and Malmesbury over a period of five years. Over 300 teachers and more than 80 000 children have been touched by the ORT SA Cape ethos.

Michael Bagraim, Trustee of ORT SA Cape, acted as the Master of Ceremonies; Simon Susman, Chairman of ORT SA Cape welcomed everyone and Shelley Friedman, Trustee of ORT SA Cape, recited the ORT prayer.

Eugene Daniels, the outgoing Director of the Western Cape Education Department, introduced the highly esteemed Dr Mamphele Ramphele, Founder of Citizens’ Movement for Social Change. Dr Ramphele delivered an inspirational keynote speech. Dr Lydia Abel, Director of ORT SA Cape, addressed the graduates, congratulating them on their achievement. The 150 guests were treated to an inspirational musical performance by local artists, Larry Joe and Aron Turest Swartz (Founder of Freshly Ground).

ORT SA Cape will be launching a new Grade R training programme in the Metro South and Stellenbosch districts, enhanced by a language and perceptual skills module.

ORT SA Cape’s diverse educational expertise enriches impoverished schools and communities. Please visit our website: www.orttech.org.za