Mentoring Programmes

Big Brothers Big Sisters offers a wide range of mentoring opportunities to meet the varied needs of volunteers, Littles and their families. Serving as role models, our mentors teach by example the importance of giving and giving back, of staying in school, and having respect for family, peers and community.

Each time we pair a child or youth with a mentor or introduce a group of students to a group program, we Start Something.

Start Something

If you would like to learn more about becoming a mentor or donating to the Big Brothers Mentoring program we welcome your questions. You can apply now by contacting us.

You can also learn more about the process of becoming a volunteer or support our various programs through a financial donation.

Whether it’s in the form of time or money there is no more important investment, we as individuals can make, than in helping our nation’s children realize – and share – their full potential.

Community-Based Mentoring

The hallmark of Big Brothers Big Sisters, this traditional program matches screened adult mentors (Bigs) with enrolled children (Littles) on a one-to-one basis. This program requires a one year commitment and the matches meet weekly (or several times per month), on days and times convenient to both.

The matches spend their time together engaged in activities that are of mutual interest, such as playing ball, going to parks or beaches, cheering on local sports teams or simply hanging out. There are no mandated activities – research shows that the level of connection, rather than what the matches do together, is the most significant factor for positive outcomes from the match.

Mentors are provided with training, support and guidance from professional agency staff to help nurture a healthy, lasting relationship between each Big and
Little.  Some Bigs meet their Littles on the weekends. Others get together with their Littles in the evenings. Each match is unique and develops a schedule that works for them.

In-School Mentoring

The In School Mentoring program provides Littles with a role model, and a friend to talk to and share the experiences of growing up with, within school grounds. For one hour a week, mentors meet with their Little and engage in activities such as board games, crafts or just hang out in the playground.

The In-School Mentoring program requires a weekly visit of 1 hour for the duration of the school year. Matches do not meet over the summer break or during other school holidays.

The program strives to:

• provide a role model and a friend;
• promote the importance of staying in school and having healthy relationships with family and peers;
• instill trust and self-confidence in order to make healthy decisions;
• encourage leadership skills and independent thinking;
• above all, make a difference while having fun.