Rochelle Schwartz

Age: 48

Occupation: Shipping Administrator

What does ‘doing your bit’ mean to you?

I think, for me, it’s helping to run a successful local group for JLGB. Ours is actually the only Jewish youth group in Cardiff, Swansea and Newport, so it’s vitally important to our community. I help instill a strong feeling of family and community, of both Jewish and British values, for all the children and young people that take part. As a child, I greatly benefited from being part of a national organisation and I feel that I’m giving back and ‘doing my bit’ by helping the current generation to benefit socially, personally and spiritually just as I have.

What have you gained from JLGB?

My main ‘gain’ has been my husband who I met through JLGB and the huge circle of friends I’ve made around the UK. I take a lot of pride in how the children are nurtured from an early age, in seeing them embrace the opportunity to interact with other Jewish children in lots of different situations. Watching them growing with confidence in who they are – and who they’ll become.

Why should others volunteer?

Personally, I feel it’s vitally important to ensure that the values JLGB offers the children of our community continue. We have a responsibility to create an environment for future generations where they can gain the experiences and opportunities they will need – skills that are becoming increasingly hard to find elsewhere. It’s incredibly satisfying to see the children grow into well rounded adults.

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