Belgian ORT was established in 1946 primarily to educate Jewish children who had returned from the camps so that they could enter regular schools.
Over the next 20 years thousands of people – most of them minors – were trained in fields as varied as electromechanics and dressmaking across three vocational schools, 20 training workshops and an agricultural centre. ORT provided pupils with monetary assistance, food and clothing parcels.
In the 21st Century, the organization has operated as a fundraising arm, using missions and school visits to raise money. International trips have included to countries such as France, Lithuania, Argentina and Ukraine.
Peru
Colegio León Pinelo is an affiliated ORT school and the only school serving Lima’s Jewish community. It is ranked among the top schools in Peru.
Lithuania
The ORT Sholom Aleichem Jewish Gymnasium in Vilnius serves more than 560 students of kindergarten, primary, basic, and secondary age levels.
France
ORT France operates in seven locations, including Paris, Strasbourg, Toulouse, and Marseille.