Following our visit with the delegation from Germany’s North Rhine-Westphalia Office to ORT Israel’s northern schools affected by the Iron Swords war, we had another opportunity to meet and travel together to ORT Adivi School in Ashkelon. This city, located near Gaza, was the most bombed city at the beginning of the Iron Swords war.
Ms. Janine Gielis, the project leader of “We, the Six Million,” and Dr. Nikolaj Beier (Ph.D), Deputy Director of the North Rhine-Westphalia office in Israel were accompanied by Alona Kletsel, head of ORT international business development and marketing.
About ORT Adivi
The school’s slogan, “From survivors to leaders,” reflects its mission to uplift students from challenging socioeconomic backgrounds, equipping them with the tools necessary for a quality career and respectable income. During our meeting with the school staff, we were joined by Almog and Yuri, two brilliant students from the AutoTech program who serve as program ambassadors in Ashkelon. They shared their experiences and spoke highly of their teachers, describing them as father-like figures who are serious, professional, and the best teachers they’ve ever had.
This sculpture at ORT Adivi symbolizes the educators who empower their students to reach the pinnacle of success.
Ashkelon During the Iron Swords War
Ashkelon has endured routine bombardments for many years, with only a 30-second warning before rocket attacks. The current Iron Swords war, during beginning of which Ashkelon was the most bombed city in Israel, has exacerbated mental health issues, causing sleep disturbances and fear, making it difficult for children to attend school and college. Many parents lost their jobs, therefore children dropped out of school to work and support their families.
Educational staff face many difficulties as well, with many having to evacuate their homes or being called to army reserves. Some students have left college to join the army. Additionally, many children who live in the Gaza Strip and study in Ashkelon have experienced the horrors of war firsthand, losing relatives and friends during the events of October 7th.
Inspiring Resilience: ORT Adivi’s “Talking Walls” Expositions
During our visit, we saw ORT Adivi’s “Talking Walls” expositions, designed to inspire students by showcasing how education can elevate them, turning them into confident, independent individuals and shaping their leadership skills. The school offers various professions, including hair design classes and AutoTech.
AutoTech Class
Hair Design Class
ORT Adivi’s fosters a warm, family-like atmosphere, which helps students build resilience during these difficult days.
Shaping the Future of Automotive Technology
AutoTech is ORT Adivi’s flagship program. The program is not just about teaching students how to fix cars; it’s about preparing them for the future of automotive technology. Students learn about the latest advancements in electric vehicles. The program also emphasizes soft skills like problem-solving, teamwork, and communication. We discussed with our guests possible collaborations with leading German car manufacturers to provide students with the most advanced and up-to-date technological knowledge and inspire them to dream and dare.
AutoTech Class, from left to right: Motti Lusky, program leader, Yuri, student and program Ambassador, Dr. Nikolaj Beier (Ph.D), Ms. Janine Gielis.
Acknowledging Support: Gratitude to Our German Partners
We are grateful to our German visitors for their attention to the situation and their willingness to help, both in response to the war and in fostering potential collaborations between ORT’s professional programs and German colleges and industries in similar educational fields such as electronics, AutoTech, and more.
Thank you, Ms. Janine Gielis, Dr. Nikolaj Beier (Ph.D), and the North Rhine-Westphalia office team for your care and support.
Hosts and guests.