South African Jewish Day Schools Unite for Friendship

In unprecedented unity, over 200 student volunteers representing many of the Jewish day Schools in Johannesburg, gathered at two separate events last week to initiate the third year of programming of Friendship Circle.

The Friendship Circle is a nonprofit organization that offers unique assistance to children with special needs and their families. At its core is the Friends @ Home program which pairs teenage volunteers with a child with special needs or learning difficulties as well as many other support programmes for them and their families.

Students from King David Linksfield, Torah Academy, Maharsha, Yeshiva College and King David Victory Park have joined forces to contribute after school hours to benefit children with special needs.

While enjoying Paninis and Soft Serve, they heard from experts in the field of special needs education and their very own newly appointed Volunteer Leadership Board comprised of a panel of last year’s volunteers of the year.

“We are in awe of the eager dedication and enthusiasm for the Friendship Circle,” said directors Rabbi Levi and Leah Lipskar. “It is inspirational to see students from many of the Jewish day schools in Johannesburg joining together in support for their special friends.”

The Friendship Circle South Africa is under the auspices of the Lubavitch Foundation of Southern Africa.