Kisharon’s favourite teacher launches Purim school appeal
FOR DEBBIE ROSTEN, a teaching assistant at Mathilda Marks-Kennedy School in north London, a visit from Kisharon ahead of their Purim school drive held special significance.
After all, the Hebrew reading teacher knows that, without the special educational needs charity, she would not have the job — or the lifestyle — she loves.
The 32-year-old, who has Down’s Syndrome, lives in Kisharon supported living, which gives her the grounding and assistance she needs to hold down her job helping pupils in years one and two with their Hebrew reading four days per week.
“Kisharon helps me a lot in my adult life,” Ms Rosten said. “I have my own flat and someone helps me know how to manage my home. I go on outings with my support worker too; this bank holiday, for example, we may go to the Science Museum.”
Ms Rosten spoke as Kisharon launched its Purim Bucket challenge, where the charity leaves collection boxes at schools to raise money for its projects. This year, b o t h M a t h - ilda MarksKennedy and E t z Chaim Jewish Primary School, also in north London, are donating all their Purim-raised funds to Kisharon, and the charity is hoping to exceed last year’s record of £25,000 raised.
“You get t o k n o w people, and p e o p l e get to k n o w y o u i n the w i d e r worl d , ” Ms Rosten said, as she spoke about the importance of encouraging more people who come through Kisharon t o puruse mainstream jobs. “It makes equal opportunities and people come to respect you.”
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