Delia Fishman Attias, 52, has been working for Kisharon since 2001
Why Kisharon?
I was always interested in working with special-needs children. Initially I thought that I would be better suited dealing with children over the age of 10, but after being interviewed I was asked if I would work with the younger children at Kisharon’s Tuffkid nursery. I soon realised that such young children needed to be in a very loving and caring environment and it wasn’t long before I decided that this age group ideally suited me.
What does your volunteering involve?
The time spent at the nursery is varied and is split between organised playtime, arts and crafts, story-telling and davening. It always makes me smile watching children of all abilities playing and learning together. I have learned to use Makaton, which is a form of sign language that enables me to communicate with the children with limited verbal skills.
Have you ever volunteered elsewhere?
As a 19-year-old at Ulpan in Israel, I volunteered to help at the Wizo orphanage in Tel Aviv, and twice a week I used to work with very young babies and toddlers. Also, when first married I volunteered for Jewish Care, visiting elderly people in their homes as well as delivering meals. Once again this proved to be very rewarding, visiting people who essentially were waiting for “company” as well as the actual meal.