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SUCCESS STORY
How you can make a difference!
We’ve heard it all before – the youth of today seems to be sailing out there like a rudderless ship lost on the deep blue sea. They have no sense of direction, no hope for the future. But a new project looks set to help change that… Story by Steve Makhanya
AS ITS name suggests, the non-profit organisation Big Brothers Big Sisters Of SA matches children in need (called Littles) with volunteer big brothers and sisters (Bigs) who become their mentors, meeting with them for at least an hour a week, for a year.
Mentoring is crucial in a youngster’s development as it involves receiving guidance from an older, more experienced role model. Without realising it, we have all been mentored – by our parents and older siblings, by uncles and aunts and grandparents, and teachers and priests.
But there are many children who just don’t have access to these kind of healthy relationships, or have fallen in with the wrong crowd and have received the wrong kind of mentoring.
This is where the Big Brothers Big Sisters volunteers come in. Students, professionals or retirees, each spends time with his or her Little helping build self-respect, self-esteem and respect for others. The effects of these relationships typically last a lifetime.
The programme started in the USA in 1904. In South Africa mentoring activities set up with the co-operation the Police Commissioner, Education and Social Services and other role players started in Cape Town in 2001, Gauteng in 2002 and KZN in 2005.
“This has been such an incredible journey for us,” says Nadine Mason, programme co-ordinator for Gauteng.
“In the short period we’ve been in existence we’ve had some positive results.
“This year we’ll be opening an office in PE to cover the Eastern Cape.”
Can anyone become a Big?
“Anyone above the age of 18 can become a volunteer,” says Mason. “They have to submit an application form with three references. An interview is then arranged to assess the personal interests, preferences and suitability of the applicant for the programme.
“They will also need to agree to a background check and complete a professionally administered personality profile.”
The Bigs then attend a three-day training course. This focuses on issues such as roles and responsibilities of a Big, self-esteem development, communication skills, relationship building, values and cultural diversity.
Regular workshops are also held dealing with subjects such as substance abuse, rape and sexual abuse, conflict resolution and trauma management.
Who is the Little?
This is a child between the ages of six and 18 who has been identified as a child at risk who could benefit from a positive role model.
First meeting between the Big and Little is called “Match Day.” Here the two are introduced to each other, swap telephone numbers and then make arrangements for the next meeting.
Thereafter you and your Little will meet for an hour, once a week for at least a period of a year. Some relationships last a lot longer.
“We’ve had cases where Bigs have even adopted their Littles,” says Mason.
As a Big you can help your Little with his or her homework, or teach them a new skill, play games with them – but the emphasis is on being a friend to your Little.
“We’ve seen children who’ve suddenly found a will to live and face the world,” says Mason. “Their school marks improve and you can see they’re on their way to a successful life.”
There’s just one problem – a shortage of black male mentors.
So come on, my fellow black brothers, what are you waiting for? It’s time to make an impact and change a life! [e]
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Call 011-475-4660.
