Celebration for Dimboola mates

Dimboola Primary School will unveil the result of months of refurbishment at a free community morning tea at the school tomorrow.

Refurbishment of the school building will provide mentors and mentees involved in a MATES Mentoring program a space for activities and subsequently improve the impact of mentoring.

The morning tea, at 10am, will be a celebration of promoting the effects of youth mentoring in the primary school setting.

MATES Mentoring has been operating at the school since 2017 after Dimboola Memorial Secondary College piloted the program nearly 10 years ago.

Wimmera Southern Mallee Local Learning and Employment Network supports MATES Mentoring throughout the region and is helping with the refurbishment by providing a resource kit containing board games and activities.

School principal Greg Sampson said two mentors regularly attended the school to see their ‘mates’.

“We would like to see more community members volunteer to youth mentor in our school,” he said.

“Mentors visit fortnightly for an hour and a half and simply spend time with a child who needs additional support and attention.

“Youth mentoring has, over the years, demonstrated a significant positive impact on class behaviour, peer connection, self-esteem, teachability, and the general wellbeing of the children.

“MATES is a meaningful program for our community.”

People interested in attending the morning tea can RSVP to the school on 5389 1626.

“We’d encourage anyone with a working-with-children check and a genuine care for young people to attend,” Mr Sampson said.

“There is a significant number of children who would benefit from additional adult role models in their lives.

“The morning tea will also recognise the contribution of our current and past mentors.”

Since starting, MATES Mentoring has matched more than 550 children and young people with mentors across the Wimmera and southern Mallee region.

Further information about the program is available online at www.llen.com.au/mates.