Youth mentors wanted
Challenge for Change is calling for volunteer mentors to support young ones in Ka¯ piti.
The organisation features a mentoring programme for 9 to 13-year-olds.
Volunteer mentors are given comprehensive training and matched with a suitable young person. The mentors meet with their young person once or twice a week for fun and structured mentoring.
Monthly events, like an Amazing Race or a family fun day, are organised where the young people, their mentors and their wha¯ nau participate.
The parents/caregivers attend an eight week parenting programme that supports them during the journey of Challenge for Change.
“Challenge for Change has been running in Ka¯ piti for over three years and is really making a difference for our wha¯ nau,” Challenge for Change Ka¯ pti coordinator Beatrice Fisher said.
“It is heart-warming to see the growth in the young people, their families and also the mentors.
“The mentors are an inspirational group of people, diverse, but all with a great heart for the young people in our community.”
Some comments from recent mentors:
■ “The programme is not just rewarding for the kids but for the mentors as well.”
■ “As a mentor I have really enjoyed spending time with my young person doing things I loved as a kid. Bike riding, hiking, going to the beach and movies. Through this time, we have become good mates.”
■ “Being a mentor has been challenging and rewarding. It has definitely opened my eyes to ways of helping people — by being there by their side instead of ‘fixing their problems’.”
Beatrice said, “If you have a passion for supporting others, in particular young people, this is an awesome role for you.
“It will give you the opportunity to build relationships with other people and do things you may not normally do — you can make a real difference to a young person in Ka¯ piti.
For further information contact Beatrice 022 198 6741 or email beatrice@kit.org.nz.
Also check out the Facebook page — Kapiti Challenge for Change Mentoring Programme or website www. challengeforchange.nz.
There is also an information evening being held Tuesday, February 25 at the Kapiti Impact Hub, 6 Tongariro St, Paraparaumu, at 7pm, light refreshments will be provided. Please contact the office 04 9050660 to register your interest.