ORT SA was present at the Annual Partnerships Gala Dinner, which took place on November 5 at the Hilton Hotel in Sandton.

ORT SA staff were among the education representatives and business associates that attended the event.

The motivation behind the gala dinner is to develop new partnerships, as well as to strengthen existing partnerships. This encourages sponsorship for disadvantaged learners.

ORT SA started its partnership with the Gauteng Department of Education District 9 in 2004 when it began a project to improve educator's technology in Alexandra.

Members of ORT SA were excited to attend the annual event, not only because of their existing relationship, but also to develop new relationships. ORT SA's national director, Micheal Sieff, was the programme director for the Partnership Gala Dinner.

Key note speakers included Ivor Blumenthal, the Services Seta CEO, and Len Davids, the Group General Curriculum Manager: Development and Districts.

During the course of the evening Blumenthal discussed some of his favourite projects, namely the Educator Assistant Training Programme, and Geared for Life which are run by ORT SA.

Davids took the opportunity to express his approval of the work taking place in District 9; he also pointed out that "the three focus areas for government are education, education, education".

ORT SA hopes that their relationships continue to grow along with their vision to educate for life.