Every child has the promise, possibility and potential to succeed in life. Unfortunately, not all children have the support they need to accomplish their goals. According the Governor's Prevention Partnership, "an astounding 17.6 million young people - nearly half the population of young people between 10 and 18 years of age - live in situations that put them at risk of not living up to their potential. In the State of Connecticut, there are 160,000 children who could benefit from a mentoring relationship because they are at risk for personal and academic failure as a result of poverty, family issues, incarcerated parents and similar problems." Children who are involved in a mentoring program experience higher levels of academic success, better peer and family relationships and are less likely to use drugs, alcohol or engage in other dangerous behavior. Mentoring - the presence of caring adults offering support, advice, friendship, reinforcement and constructive examples - has proven to be a powerful tool for helping a young person fulfill his/her potential.
Established in 1986, the Norwalk Mentor Program is one of the longest running and most acclaimed programs in the country. The Program's original premise remains constant today - matching deserving students with positive adult role models can make a significant difference in the lives of those students served. The Norwalk Mentor Program is a structured one on one relationship between a student and adult volunteer; it is entirely school-based. This unique approach provides participants with an adult who can meet them for approximately one hour per week during the school year and engage in academic and/or social activities conducive to the school setting. The primary purpose of a mentor is to help a young person define individual goals and find ways to achieve them. Since the expectations of each child will vary, the job of the mentor is to encourage the development of a flexible relationship that responds to both the mentor's and the young person's needs. By sharing fun activities and exposing a youth to new experiences, a mentor encourages positive choices, promotes high self-esteem, supports academic achievement, and introduces the mentee to new ideas. |
WHAT MAKES A GOOD MENTOR?
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Listen: |
Maintain eye contact and give mentees their full attention. |
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Guide: |
Help mentees find direction, but never push them. |
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Practical: |
Give insights about setting goals and setting priorities. |
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Educate: |
About life and their own careers. |
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Supportive: |
Encourage mentees to learn and improve. |
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Care: |
About the mentee's progress in school and personal development. |
BENEFITS TO MENTORS:
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Increse personal satisfaction |
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Experience greater self worth |
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Exposure to cultural diversity |
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Improve image of the employer in the community |
IMPACT ON YOUTH:
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Improve student's academic performance and attendance |
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Improve attitudes towards their parents, peers and teachers |
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Improve student's self-esteem, self-confidence, communication skills and motivation |
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Improve students perception of one's own abilities |
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