It’s the best Christmas present you could give a young person in need.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The youth services team at YES Unlimited is calling for mentors willing to invest their time in a pilot program aimed at improving outcomes for at-risk students.
They are looking for people who are prepared to spend a minimum of two hours a fortnight over three school terms working with a young person – to become their friend, role model and guide.
Murray High School and James Fallon High School in Albury will be involved in the pilot targeting year 10, 11 and 12 students who might have barriers that could impact their ability to complete the HSC.
Tam Quinn, youth services program manager at YES Unlimited, said mentoring could act as a springboard for young people.
“It’s an added boost that can build on their strengths and has potential to change a person’s future trajectory,” she said.
“We know that many factors can impact whether a young person finishes high school – it could include things such as family and relationship breakdown, financial issues, mental health issues and social isolation.”
Ms Quinn said she hoped the program could include “talent matching”, where the skills of mentors could be matched to the interests of the young person.
“For example, if a young person has a talent in music, art or sport, matching them with a like-minded mentor will build connection but also nurture their skills,” she said.
“We know that growing talents helps with a successful transition to adulthood.”
La Trobe University social work student Bronwyn Rennick has been among the first to sign up as a mentor.
“I think it’s a fantastic initiative to support young people at high risk of disengagement with education, further training or employment,” she said.
As a mature-age student at 38, Ms Rennick said she had developed the life experience that could support a young person to make positive changes in their lives.
“Whether it’s help with resume writing, school work or even socially, sometimes it’s hard for young people to know how they can access resources,” she said.
The Hive Youth Resource Centre program development manager Michelle Milligan said the mentoring program provided an opportunity for people to invest in their community.
“This Christmas, if anyone was thinking about making a donation to help others, an investment of their time to help a young person would be priceless,” she said.
- An information night is being held from 5.30pm Wednesday December 13 at The Hub in Albury. Contact Michelle on (02) 6040 5507.