YOUTH workers hope a new mentoring program will provide stronger guidance for Moorabool’s young people.
Mates Mentoring co-ordinator Gina Scuffins said Moorabool Council had already nominated five volunteers for the one-year program, which will help up to 12 Bacchus Marsh College students from the end of next month.
“A huge number of young people in our society have few good adult role models in their lives and this program aims to fill that void for them,” she said.
“Research tells us that students who have a good mentor feel more confident, know where to go for help, have a more positive view of their future, attend school more often and are much less likely to drink excessively or take drugs.”
Prospective mentors are screened and trained before being matched with a young person identified by the school.
The “matches” initially meet at school for one hour a fortnight, before catching up outside school hours for activities.
“Some matches have developed such a strong bond that they keep in touch informally after this time. Some have been known to continue for years,” Ms Scuffins said.
More than 150 students from 13 schools have been mentored through the program in the Wimmera and Ballarat.
More details: highlandsllen.org/mates.php
