Last month, Jewish Care held their annual MIKE Awards celebrating the inspiring work of young people.
The MIKE programme, which stands for Motivation, Inspiration, Knowledge and Education, aims to empower young people to become youth leaders. It gives them the opportunity to learn leadership skills from their peers, as well as becoming educators themselves.
The event, which was held at Kantor King Solomon High School was hosted by Jamie Shone, MIKE Programme Coordinator. Jamie has been involved in the programme for many years both as a volunteer and participant. Last year, he received the Saul Keene Award for Excellence for his incredible commitment to the programme. During the pandemic, he showed his kindness and dedication by supporting older members of the community by delivering Meals on Wheels.
This year’s recipient was Jacob Landsman who was praised for his positivity in overcoming the challenges of the past year and was described as “a great role model to his peers and the community.”
Photo: David Solomon
On receiving the award, Jacob, who is currently studying at Lincoln University, told the EJN, “I’ve been coming along to Jewish Care’s MIKE programme for five years and I’ve loved every single minute of it. I’d like to thank my co-workers because I couldn’t have done it without them and over the last year our MIKE programme online programme has been the highlight of my week.”
Nettie Keene, Saul’s mother presented Jacob with the award which was created in memory of her son who was very much involved in youth work and volunteering. He passed away in 2008 at the age of 41.
Photo: David Solomon
More than 90 young people have taken part in the recent MIKE programme over the past year. Their commitment and dedication despite the challenges of the pandemic was praised by Jonathan Zenios, Chair of Jewish Care, who described them all as “inspiring”.
Other winners included Rebecca Lloyd, Scott Silver, Ben Sivan and Maor Aharon who all received Jack Petchey Achievement Awards for their contributions to the local community.
Award recipient Rebecca Lloyd has been involved with the MIKE programme since she was in Year 9. She was recognised for her voluntary work involved with after school clubs at Clore Tikva as well as volunteering with GIFT to tutor English to children.
She told the EJN, “I’ve had so many opportunities with the MIKE programme that have shaped me as the leader I am today. After learning leadership skills I’m able to talk to people of ages. I’ve learned to adapt to different situations, and it has really developed my confidence, so I was able to stand up here and talk today.”
Photo: David Solomon
Jewish Care’s Director of Community Development, Richard Shone also spoke at the event and praised the participants as being “the future leaders of our community”.
He added: “Their commitment to motivation, inspiration, knowledge and education brings a much-needed vitality and provides strong foundations for their increased involvement.”
For more information about getting involved Jewish Care’s new MIKE youth leadership programme for 2021-2022. contact jamie.shone@jcare.org or 07795 952 076.
