#TurksandCaicos, November 27, 2017 – Providenciales – Thank you for your interest in volunteering as a mentor with the Department of Youth Affairs. We have several programs that require volunteers. In our program Big Brother Big Sister, volunteers will be working as mentor to our youth, ages 11-17. Mentoring helps young people, especially at-risk youth, succeed in school, work, and life.
What makes a good mentor?
Before becoming a mentor, here are a few things to understand about the role of mentoring. Most of us have had a teacher, supervisor or coach who has been a mentor to us and made a positive difference in our lives. Those people wore many hats, acting as delegators, role models, cheerleaders, policy enforcers, advocates, and friends. Mentors assume these different roles during the course of a relationship, and share some basic qualities:
- A sincere desire to be involved with a young person
- Respect for young people
- Active listening skills
- Empathy
- Ability to see solutions and opportunities
- Flexibility
Benefits for Young People
- Increased high school graduation rates
- Lower high school dropout rates
- Healthier relationships and lifestyle choices
- Better attitude about school
- Higher college enrollment rates and higher educational aspirations
- Enhanced self-esteem and self-confidence
- Improved behavior, both at home and at school
- Stronger relationships with parents, teachers, and peers
- Improved interpersonal skills
Please express your interest by emailing any of our youth officers dparker@gov.tc, nicky71422@yahoo.com or Mr. Nixon Dickenson, Acting National Youth Director at ndickenson@gov.tc.
Press Release: Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports & Library Services
