Getting the programme started … Matching of Mentee with Mentors
Male mentor and mentee after their first meeting... seems to be going well. So far, so good!
Mentor and mentees are paired based on career and social interest of the mentee, geographic location, compatible strengths/weaknesses of mentor and mentee (for academic support). After they are matched they begin to get to know each other and set measurable goals that are to be pursued during the tenure of the mentoring relationship.
Both mentors and mentees are brought together for the first time at a matching session which also serve as an orientation session for mentees and their parents. Three of these sessions have already taken place.
Some topics used in the preparation of mentees are:
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‘Mentoring Explained’
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‘Understanding Adults – how mentoring helps’
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‘Making the most of your mentoring relationship.’
At least 50% of the mentees screened are between ages 13- 15 years; some of them are below age 12 but will be turning 13 yrs old in a couple of months. Still yet, there are a precious few who are 20-21 years of age (mostly male), but have expressed such enthusiasm and eagerness to join the programme that made their selection possible.
The March Pen and Passmore Town communities lead the way in having the most mentoring relationship started. Of the 58 mentoring relationships already active nearly one third of the relationships exist in each of these communities.
For more information on the Mentoring Programme please call Youth Opportunities Unlimited at 759-2080 -1
