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B2 - The Oakville Beaver. W e d n e sd a y D ece m b e r 10, 2003 In-School Mentoring needs more volunteers By Howard Mozel OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF While Big Brothers of Halton staff could go on about the sheer number of youngsters on the InSchool Mentoring Program waiting list, statistics can't do justice to the stories behind each and every one of their faces. The youngsters include Drew, who is 11 years old and does not have contact with his father. He was very close to his grandfather, but 'Poppa' passed away and the child has no other male role models in his life, said Big Brothers of Halton Com m unications Manager Eileen MacKenzie. He is described by his teachers as kind, but is shy, has few friends and his self-confidence has suf fered. A mentor would help him to feel that he is special and that would make it easier to feel con fident with his own peer group. "We have 30 children waiting in Oakville alone but also have children waiting in Burlington, Milton and in the north," said MacKenzie. "The program works in other communities. We need to make it work here." The initiative matches ele- Th e Body Shaping Fitne Studio for Women I lost 2 7 lbs. a n d a to ta l o f 2 7 inches" A NLVV M E & A N E W L IF E ! 12 WEEKS mentary students aged five to 12 with mentors who spend an hour each week with them in their schools. The students have been identified by teachers as needing support, such as encouragement to learn and to build self esteem. Jenna is another student who struggles at school. She tries too hard to get attention and this means that some times she can be disruptive in class. She is bright and artic ulate but has few friends as a result o f her attention seek ing behaviour. With her own mentor, she would feel better about herself and would not need to seek attention. Conducted in partnership with the Oakville Big Sisters Association and other agen cies. the program - which runs from October to June - is open to girls and boys so that both men and women age 18 and up can volunteer as mentors. To date, partici pants range from university students and stay-at-home moms to professionals and retirees. Those interested should call 905-339-2355. Yet another student is nine-year old Braydon who has Muscular Dystrophy and cannot keep up with the other children physically. His father passed away before he was bom and he needs a male role model in his life. He is described by his teach ers as being an excellent communicator, bright, kindhearted and very likeable. The losses he has suffered in his life have had an impact and he desperately needs a friend to help guide him Original Art /u tin /in t/s pottery " JEWELLERY i + >A i d ^£^44 e through some of the rough spots along the way. MacKenzie says more mentors are being encouraged to volunteer their time, talents and consistent presence for only one hour each week. She also makes it clear that mentors act as friends, not tutors, and will be matched according to shared interests. "It's about being a friend for a child who needs one." said MacKenzie. Shawna and her mom are newcom ers to Canada and to Oakville. She is just eight years old and with little money in the family, no extended fami ly support systems, and few friends. Shawna needs a friend who can help build her confidence so that she can achieve what she is capable of scholas tically. MacKenzie reassures potential men tors by explaining that they are not thrown into their relationships but are offered all the training and support they require. (Mentors must participate in the agency's screening program before a match is considered.) "It's not very time intensive at all. In fact, it's fun," said MacKenzie. "People thinking of volunteering but don't know where to start, this is a perfect opportu nity that's anything but onerous." Book club seeks readers The Classic Book Club (CBC) of Oakville is looking for new male and female members. The club was founded in 1993 and to date the members have read more than 60 classics. In order to continue growing and enjoying discus sions from a broad range of participants, the CBC of Oakville would like to expand. Those interested in literature, particularly the classics, are invited to contact Pamela K. Spicer at 905-8252495 or e-mail pkspicer@look.ca. A Membership is a wonderful haute couturiere clothing | and more! O ver 30 artists Purchase directly from the artists in the studios, or from the Gallery. Studios rhe S W i i iu t m s Join now for a chance to * W in a ; S2,(XX) if Diam ond Ring From Gabriclle Jewellers, t Oakville open Friday and Saturday afternoons. Gallery open Wed. through Sun. noon to 5 pm. 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