The Mara Schwartz ORT-KesherNet Computer Centers remain a powerhouse program providing a basic computer literacy curriculum including Microsoft Word, Excel and use of the Internet. Following graduation, many women continue their education with more advanced courses including design software, engineering software, accounting software, as well as creating computer presentations and website design. With the severe economic downturn in the entire region, these centers have become ever more vital by providing basic and advanced computer skills, economic and legal literacy training, and a home for PK women’s groups, social activism training and activities, and for the Jewish community as a whole.

Since 2002 Project Kesher has trained more than 60,000 students, 83% women. Trainings include:

• Basic computer competency: basic Internet skills, social media, digital communications, smartphone proficiency, Microsoft Office programs

• Professional training: Network communications, graphic design, web design, accounting, e-commerce

• Personal and family development: Digital technologies for family management, English-language computer study for families, economic empowerment for women, financial literacy, information security

• Employment skills: Professions of the future, cover letter and resume writing, interview skills, time management, and entrepreneurship

In 2020, The Mara Schwartz ORT Keshernet Computer Centers had a successful year despite great challenges. With the severe economic downturn in the entire region, the centers have become ever more vital, providing basic and advanced computer skills, economic and legal literacy training, and a home for PK women’s social activism training, and for the Jewish community as a whole. This past year, all of the centers operated fully remote and many also served as emergency service providers - tech support, connection to the Internet, lessons on Zoom, and remote work support. Staff report an increase in partnerships between communal organizations and the Mara Schwartz ORT KesherNet Centers. For example, collaborating with the Jewish community on programs to support working parents with kids in virtual school during lockdown and with local NGOs and municipalities to connect the more elderly and isolated members of our community.

They became call centers for a variety of critical projects in the Project Kesher network. For example, with women unable to get to the doctor and no access to telemed in their countries, the centers were facilitating a call-in referral service to connect women in need of medical attention with medical experts to review records and meet via Zoom or phone. As some centers begin to reopen safely, all programs in the coming year will be hybrid. The vaccine and immunization situation in Belarus, Russia, and Ukraine remains precarious as they are well into a fresh wave of the COVID-19 delta variant. These centers have provided not only job skills, empowerment, confidence, and tools to the Jewish community, but they have been a source for hope and action during a difficult year.