World ORT’s LEAD seminar has been hosted by ORT France at Lycée ORT Daniel Mayer in Montreuil, Paris.

A group of 19 ORT educators and professionals took part from countries including Israel, Ukraine, South Africa, Italy, Spain, Brazil, Mexico, Peru, Costa Rica, Panama, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Colombia and France.

This annual leadership program gives outstanding professionals, at all levels in their career, the opportunity to expand on their current expertise while forming connections with each other across the ORT network.

The program began with an introduction to ORT France by Raymond Soussan, Director General of ORT France, followed by a tour led by Isaac Touitou, head of the school.

Delegates then had time to bond through ice-breaker sessions including discussing scenarios they might face in their daily role. In the evening, the delegates enjoyed a delicious welcome dinner.

The hard work began on Tuesday under the tutelage of experienced educators Christine Young and Graham Dring. Over the course of three days, the group tackled key aspects of educational leadership. Sessions looked at where the delegates are now in their leadership journey. They worked on coaching skills and thought about where they would like to be as a leader. They examined what motivated them, how to lead change and confront tough issues.

Throughout their time in Paris, the group also enjoyed dinners together and an evening open-top bus tour of the French capital. This time together, away from the formal training, also proved to be very beneficial, helping to build personal and professional connections.

Jenny Ascher, English Director at Colegio ORT Olami, in Mexico City, said she will continue to work with peers from the group. Vladimir Arango Martinez, Director General of the Colegio Colombo Hebreo in Colombia, added that the warmth and friendship experienced during the event will aid participants across the ORT network.

Janet Bruwer, Chief Operations Officer at ORT SA CAPE, was grateful for the opportunity, which she said was a life-changing experience. She would go home with a toolkit of practical skills to improve her team and expand her organization’s work. Janet also took away a better understanding of ORT’s global work and enjoyed meeting and learning from other colleagues.

The program is co-sponsored by the HH Wingate Foundation together with supporters Dr. Louanne Smolin and David Eaton. The delegates were absolutely delighted to meet Dr. Smolin who was able to attend the latter part of the seminar in person.