June 30 – July 5, 2024
In early July, ORT representatives Alona Kletsel, Head of International Business Development & Marketing, and Oria Levy, International Certifications Manager and SpeedTech Bootcamp Supervisor at ORT Singalovsky College, embarked on a transformative journey to Manila, Philippines. The mission is to explore the local education ecosystem, establish dialogues with key stakeholders, and evaluate the potential for collaborative ventures between ORT Israel and the Philippines. Their visit, meticulously organized by the Israeli embassy and its economic mission, was a testament to ORT’s commitment to enhancing global education and industry landscapes.
A Grateful Acknowledgment
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Ambassador Ilan Fluss, Deputy Ambassador Ester Buzgan, Economic Counsellor and Head of the Economic mission Tomer Heyvy, and their dedicated team, including Ms. Cara De Leoz and Mr. Allen Fernandez. Their support and facilitation were invaluable in making this visit successful.
Diverse Engagements: A Comprehensive Exploration
The visit encompassed interactions with government officials, educational institutions, NGOs, private companies in the education sector, and the UN. This comprehensive approach provided a holistic understanding of the local education ecosystem and market dynamics, paving the way for future collaborations and business initiatives. Among others, the ORT team visited the following organizations: Mapua & Malayan Colleges, Centro Escolar University, DualTech, Don Bosco, STI, TESDA, DOST – Science Education Institute, MOE, and the Commission of Higher Education.
Diplomatic Endorsement of ORT’s Vision
Deputy Ambassador Ester Buzgan eloquently captured ORT’s transformative potential: “ORT has the ability to turn a country whose economy is based on natural resources into one based on knowledge, which is the future. For example, countries like Azerbaijan, where ORT has operated in recent years, recognize that natural resources can be exhausted and are investing in developing knowledge and human resources. Other countries, like the UAE, are doing the same, transitioning to a knowledge-based economy. They are nurturing a qualitative next generation that will be a sought-after resource in the global market.”
Addressing Key Pain Points with ORT’s Expertise
Several recurring challenges have been identified where ORT can make a significant contribution.
– Bridging the Education-Employer Gap: Aligning education with industry needs in both high-tech and traditional sectors.
– Rebranding Agriculture: With rich agricultural lands, the Philippines faces disinterest among the youth in agriculture. ORT’s AgriTech program, tailored to recent trends and technologies, can revitalize this sector.
– IT & Software Education: Current education programs are lengthy and outdated. ORT’s SpeedTech program offers a dynamic, employer-specific solution.
Mass Media Coverage
The visit garnered significant attention from the mass media in the Philippines, showcasing ORT’s innovative approaches and potential to revolutionize the educational landscape. You may read the articles here: https://en.ort.org.il/ort-visit-featured-in-philippines-news-july-2024/.
Insights from ORT Representatives
Alona Kletsel shared her vision for the collaboration: “Our mission is to create educational bridges that not only enhance learning experiences but also foster a culture of innovation and inclusivity. With its vibrant and dynamic educational landscape, the Philippines is an ideal partner in this journey.”
Oria Levy emphasized the potential of the SpeedTech boot camp program: “The SpeedTech boot camp is more than just a training program; it’s a catalyst for change. By providing hands-on experience with the latest technologies, we nurture the next generation of innovators who will drive the Philippines’ tech ecosystem forward.”
SpeedTech is a fast-paced and practical program that collaborates with high-tech companies. It is tailored for the industry and trains graduates for various software-related roles in the high-tech sector. The program equips students with all the tools needed to succeed, including LinkedIn workshops, CV writing, and job interview preparation. At the end of the training, students participate in practical training with high-tech companies, gaining real-world experience before the program concludes. The companies assign challenging tasks and teach the students how to work effectively in the industry.
Conclusion
ORT’s visit to the Philippines marked the beginning of a promising journey toward enhancing educational and industrial ecosystems through innovative collaborations. By addressing key challenges and leveraging its expertise, ORT expertise can be an asset in building a knowledge-based economy, fostering a generation of skilled professionals ready to meet global demands.
Read more about the history of collaboration between ORT and the Philippines here: https://en.ort.org.il/philippines/
