January Is Mentor Month

Wednesday, 10 January 2018 05:12

Recent research suggests that mentors can play a powerful role in the development of children.

WOODSTOCK - January is National Mentoring Month across Canada and this year Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada is celebrating the annual campaign which connects adults with littles in our community.

Caseworker with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Woodstock and District Shaylyn Jackson says it's a time for celebrating.

"It's a month to recognize mentors and mentoring programs in our communities, and really promote the message, and share that everyone needs a mentor, we want to be able to provide a mentors for all the children in Woodstock and district who need them."

In order for the programs to be successful the organization is always in need of volunteers.

Recent research suggests that mentors can play a powerful role in the development of children.

It's one of the many reasons Big Brothers Big Sisters of Woodstock and District is both celebrating the mentors they have as well as putting out the call for more to help fill the many programs they offer.

Jackson says it isn't that difficult to become a mentor, but often people aren't aware of the programs that are offered or what a mentor even is.

"We have so many different mentoring programs, we have school based programs, group programs all focused on mentoring in general. so basically a mentor is someone who cares about a child, wants to spend time with a child and lead them in the right direction in life."

Mentorship can provide youth with skills they may not have otherwise received without a mentor. Youth that are paired with a mentor are less likely to have issues in school and are twice as likely to have success in their academics. In addition statistically they are more likely to gain employment as adults and less likely to be a victim of bullying.

The organization needs mentors from all cultural backgrounds and across the gender spectrum, however there is a higher need for male volunteers.

You can find out more information on the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Woodstock and District web site.