Mentorship program brings school, community together to benefit children
Program expands, more volunteers needed now
An innovative partnership between Peel District School Board, and Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Peel matches community volunteers with "at-risk" elementary students to help improve the students' self-esteem and interest in school.
The program is now in several elementary schools in Mississauga and Caledon and will expand to Brampton schools in September. More volunteers are needed in all three municipalities to keep pace with the growing number of students who need mentors.
Once recruited and screened, mentors receive training before beginning to meet with the students. Mentors meet with students at school for one hour a week during the academic year. By participating with children in activities like reading, drawing, playing sports and talking, mentors help motivate children to improve academic, physical and social skills. The relationship that develops between the mentors and the students helps to increase student's self-image and performance in school, thereby improving their chances for success in life.
The mentorship program has already demonstrated its success. After only two months, 63 per cent of students participating in the program demonstrated higher self-esteem, one-quarter showed improved academics, and 20 per cent had improved work habits.
The experience also motivates the adults involved. "This program is all about giving something really valuable-your time. It's successful because people spend time, one-on-one, with the children in the program," says Janine Lewis, a current mentor. "It's very rewarding to know that spending one hour a week of your time will have such a positive impact on a child. You know that you're really making a difference in the life of a child, and I think that can motivate even the busiest person to become a mentor."
New mentors are needed now to be screened and trained for the next school year. For more information about becoming a mentor, contact Big Brothers at 905-459-3373.
