Teachers are relying on the Chai in Schools programme to support the increasing number of young people aff ected by a cancer diagnosis, either directly or through a loved one.
Over the past year (July 2023 – June 2024), Chai in Schools has delivered more than 2,200 specialist sessions to educators and children at Jewish and non-Jewish schools across the country.
Launched in 2013, Chai in Schools is a unique initiative that gives teachers and Special Educational Needs Coordinators (SENCOs) the tools, language-skills, resources, and direct support that they need to help children, and their peers, aff ected by a cancer diagnosis.
As well as providing support to young people and adults in a school-setting, the organisation continues to promote awareness amongst children through the annual Chai ‘Mad Hair Day’ campaign – where children are encouraged to don a creative hairstyle and assemblies are led to encourage open conversations around cancer.
Miriam Kaye, the headteacher of Mathilda-Marks Kennedy Jewish Primary School in Mill Hill, north-west London, called Chai in Schools when confronted with a heart-breaking situation.
She explains: “This year, we received some devastating news. We were told that the parent of one of our young students had been diagnosed with terminal cancer. It was a real shock. Some children were having nightmares, not sleeping, and asking questions that we did not know how to answer. As teachers, we were fl oundering. We did not have the training or language when it comes to supporting children aff ected by illness or bereavement.”
Mrs Kaye adds: “I called Chai asking for support and within 24 hours, Chai sent a team to deliver special training for our staff , talking through appropriate language to use and what books to read. They really listened to concerns our staff had and gave clear examples of how to deal with a situation that could come up. The Chai in Schools training meant that there was a plan in place, we were providing support in the best way possible to the child aff ected, their classmates, parents and our own teachers.”
Lisa Steele, Chai’s Chief Executive, says: “It’s crucial that teachers have the right training and tools to talk to students about such delicate topics. Chai in Schools equips them with those tools, ensuring children receive the understanding and support they need in their familiar school environment.”