Friends Of ORT

Susan Roffman

Co-Chair

I was invited by Roslyn Wagman to become co-chair of Friends of ORT. Without knowing too much I accepted as I wanted to support a charity other than the St. James’s Place Foundation which is work related and totally different although worthwhile.
I now understand the enormous difference that ORT makes to children all over the world. Education will help the children achieve their aims and goals with up to date technology provided by ORT, raising the standards. Having visited schools and seen the children’s faces and their appreciation to have this education made a big difference. I also have listened to a conference call on how ORT assists countries after a disaster to bring back education to the children after all systems have been wiped out. I have heard first hand how ORT will help underprivileged children have the opportunity to be helped to get to school and how the school’s standard improves so much that the privileged children come and integrate. These are our children of tomorrow and they need our help.
Roslyn Wagman

Co-Chair

It is amazing to think that eight years have rushed by since I joined the Friends of ORT Committee as a favour to the then resigning President. I became Chair almost immediately to fill the gap and having begged my friend Susan Roffman to help me with this task, she thankfully agreed and so we became Co-Chairs in 2002. I became a Trustee of British ORT shortly thereafter. Over the years my work with ORT and my understanding of the huge importance of our work has grown as I visited our ORT Schools and attended ORT meetings worldwide. Educating our Jewish children is vital for their future success to enable them and their families to become independent and it is indeed very rewarding to meet these young people from all corners of the world and see and feel their gratitude at the opportunity they have been afforded. I do enjoy being part of the ORT Family and witnessing the difference ORT continues to make.
June Cowan

Executive

My involvement with ORT goes back over 45 years. What I have found particularly rewarding is that we operate not only in Israel but also so many other countries. A truly international family!
Sylvia Frangi

Executive

I got involved with ORT because of the wonderful work it does for children all over the world. Not only Jewish children but children of all faiths. I was very privileged to see this first hand when I visited Latvia and Lithuania in summer 2010.
Kathrine Jackson

Executive

When I was 21, my mother was an involved member of ORT. She invited about 20 ladies for tea and showed the first ORT film (Mellah) about how young kids, whose parents couldn't afford to educate them were taught technology. I remember being fascinated. A few of us got together and for many years organised talks in our homes in the mornings. Having myself taught children over a period of 38 years, I realise the importance of education and particularly nowadays on how vital it is to teach the skills and technology that ORT is providing.
Astrid Lyons

Executive
Cynthia Lyons

Executive
Nitza Sarner

Executive

My father studied carpentry at an ORT school in Poland in the late 20's and after the war while still a British Soldier, he and colleagues opened a school for Holocaust surviving children in North Italy. ORT opened there a few classes for engineering, shoemaking, sewing etc. Later, my brother in Law studied at the first ORT school in Israel, near Tel-Aviv. He and my sister now live in Erez, near Gaza and all their children and now grandchildren were educated at Sha'ar Hanegev, supported by British ORT.
So when I was asked to join the Friends of ORT committee, I was delighted, as I think there is nothing more important than educating the younger generation to self sufficiency and success.