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1 nomination from readers

• Jonathan Rabson set up the Jewish School Service (JSS) programme aimed at helping children who are not academic learners or have other difficulties in school. JSS is already in several schools and will be extending its programme under Jonathan's guidance in January 2010. Children involved in the project were helped by mentors; who are often peer mentors. All mentees have learnt creative ways of dealing with problems and thinking strategies to help them overcome difficulties encountered during school, enabling them to make safe transitions into secondary school and adulthood.

  Why should this person win the award?

  Jonathan Rabson is a man who is not just determined to help underachieving students fulfil their potential but also a person who genuinely believes that each individual has their own talents and abilities. Thanks to the JSS programme countless children who would otherwise have passed under the radar, and only ended up with mediocre results in school, have been able to push themselves (supported by trained mentors) to achieve the best results possible.

  One example of this was the leadership programme at a large High School. Despite many issues in the setting up of the programme, and initial scepticism from trustees and governors the programme is now a thriving success and year after year it is over subscribed. The programme gives participants public speaking and communication skills as well as the confidence to do well in a variety of situations. One boy described the programme as “helping me to prepare for my exams and increase my concentration span” and teachers of participants have noticed increased maturity and improvement in pupils’ work and confidence. Indeed the leadership programme was so successful that the school has now brought the programme in-house (led by the former JSS project manager).

  Another example of work undertaken by JSS is its mentoring programme. This works with underachieving young people. One example was S, a 16 year old, who had been bullied both in primary and secondary school. This resulted in him having low self esteem and a lack in confidence. Whilst S was not without ability he obtained only 3 GCSEs and was skipping school on a regular basis. JSS was already working within the school and the boy was incorporated onto Jonathan’s peer mentoring scheme. The changes have been dramatic. Not only is S back in education studying Religious Education, Electronics, English, Music and ICT but he is also developing his talent as a drummer. He is now part of a band that plays regularly and, thanks to Jonathan and JSS, has now recovered his confidence and self-belief.

  Nominated by Netanel Kleinman, 12 August 2009

9 comments from readers

• I too support the nomination having known Jonathan for over a decade. He is forward thinking, dedicated and very dynamic. He has achieved a lot in all his projects (business and social). His current JSS project has helped many schools, families and pupils improve their performance. Sadly he is severely crippled by lack of funding at this time

  Submitted by markky, 11 September 2009

• The skeptics said that it could not be done. The schools would not accept an oirganisation external to their system. Jonathan Rabson said it could. The cynics said that it would not last. That it could not synthesise the particular needs of the community with its programme. Jonathan Rabson said it would.

  In a remarkably short the JSS has proven to be not only respected but seen as a critical force to ensure that "every child really matters" and that every school can provide for each of its students. Jonathan Rabson has been the driving force, combining charm and determination, respect and challenge. That is why I support this nomination.

  Submitted by Rabbi Malcolm Herman LLB (hons) 13.9.09, 13 September 2009

• The skeptics said that it could not be done. The schools would not accept an oirganisation external to their system. Jonathan Rabson said it could. The cynics said that it would not last. That it could not synthesise the particular needs of the community with its programme. Jonathan Rabson said it would.

  In a remarkably short the JSS has proven to be not only respected but seen as a critical force to ensure that "every child really matters" and that every school can provide for each of its students. Jonathan Rabson has been the driving force, combining charm and determination, respect and challenge. That is why I support this nomination.

  Submitted by Rabbi Malcolm Herman LLB (hons) 13.9.09, 13 September 2009

• No two children have the same collection of strengths and challenges which by definition makes the concept of one school for a hundred children almost unachievable. I say, almost, because every so often there appears an individual who not only undertands this but has the vision, determination and wonderfully, charming patience to ensure that within that group each child is given the opportunity to stand out. Jonathan is one such person and I warmly support his nomination.

  Submitted by David (Duvid Zvi) Calek, 14 September 2009

• Some people are blessed with the vision to conceive and innnovate ideas. Others have the drive and determination to see projects through to their completion, even when the odds are stacked against them. Jonathan possesses both of these qualities and has harnessed them to set up an organisation whose benfit is tangibly felt within our schools. It is for this reason that he would be a fitting recipient of the New Statesman Upstarts Achievements Award for 2009.

  Submitted by Yehuda Wittenberg, 14 September 2009

• “Inside each school are books, desks, blackboards, computers….. and the world’s future”

  Jonathan believes in the last 2 words, and puts his neck out to help achievments for those that unfortunately would not have been succuessful. Jonathan campaigns with school governors and teachers to enable him to set up programs in school that can help the academically challenged. He does this with confidence, determination and pride.

  He is more than fitting to win this award

  Submitted by Ari Leaman, 23 September 2009

• There is nothing more important to todays education than the JSS and no better person than Jonathan Rabson. I know Jonathan personally and to my mind he is the most suitable person to win this award. He is a 'go-getter' in every sense and has achieved alot in trying circumstances. I have also seen first hand the fruits of his labor - accomplished teens who without his intervention would have slid down the plug-hole of life. May this best man win!

  Submitted by Yitzchok Chissick, 23 September 2009

• JSS is perhsps the most exciting project to be introduced to local schools for many a year. For the first time there is an organisation working within the schools with the sterling mission to leave no child behind and to proclaim to every student that every person derserves a chance. Only someone with the personality and quality of Jonathan Rabson could see this most difficult challenge through and I hope that such a man wins this nomination.

  Submitted by Yaakov Barr, 30 September 2009

• Wishing you much success with your endeavour, Jonny. You are filling a vacuum in the education system, and am sure that your programme will make much progress.

  Submitted by David Ziants, 16 October 2009