A fun and rewarding program, In-School Mentoring matches an adult volunteer (Mentor) with a child (Mentee) in a school environment. Building a positive, new friendship strengthens a Mentee's self-esteem and school performance, and provides a Mentor with the chance to re-experience the adventure of childhood.

This program is a true cooperative effort between the local school board, business community and the Big Brother/Big Sister agency. School boards allow breaks from regular programming for children to take part. Local businesses promote the program to their employees and offer flexible work schedules for adult participants. The business community may also assist the local Big Brother/Big Sister agency with the operating costs of this program.

The success of the Big Brothers/Big Sisters program is recognized coast to coast. In-School Mentoring is a modern way of delivering this traditional program. It is based on the one-to-one Big-Little relationship, but minimizes the time commitment of the volunteer.

Mentee,Jory
"It makes me feel special to be in the Mentoring Program. We get to do stuff in school, like play games and read books..."

Mentor, Hamilton
"Watching my Mentee develop self-confidence in herself and seeing the strong bond which has grown between us have been my greatest rewards as a Mentor."

J.W. Theobold,Community Banking Manager,Bank of Montreal, Niagara Falls
"The children of today are the future leaders of tomorrow, and it is most important to invest our time and energy in programs involving children and helping them in whatever ways we can. I sincerely thank our employees for their dedication to this most worthwhile program and encourage other people to assist in any way they can. It is possible."

The Children
Our Mentees are elementary school students who would benefit from a one-to-one friendship with a caring adult. Mentees are kids who, through encouragement, could realize their full potential by learning to feel good about themselves.

The Mentor
Any caring, reponsible adult can make a difference. Mentors are all ages and come from all walks of life - Tradespeople, homemakers, university and college students, retirees, members of the business community. The list is endless. If you are someone who believes in life-long learning and would relish the opportunity to feel like a kid again, this program is for you.

As a positive role model, a Mentor exhibits a standard of behavior that models honesty, truth and respect for others. As a Mentor, you will share your skills and talents with your Mentee.

The Employer
The school day and the work day coincide - so a key component of this program is the employer. Providing a work atmosphere that allows flex time in rescheduling appointments or work hours greatly impacts a person's willingness to become a Mentor.

Studies show that employees who are satisfied by meeting personal goals, such as volunteering, are more productive. In today's busy workplace and home environment, people need creative ways to contribute to their community. Employers can take the lead by encouraging volunteering for the In-School Mentoring Program within their company.

Become a Mentor-
Take the first step. Contact your local Big Brother/Big Sister agency and find out more about this rewarding volunteer activity. If you want to act right now, simply call 1-800-263-9133, Big Brothers and Sisters of Canada, or (902) 562-3378, Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Cape Breton County.

Become a Corporate Supporter-
Encourage your employees to participate in the program through interoffice promotion and development of flexible work schedules. You can alo talk to your Big Brother/Big Sister agency about profiling your company as a corporate sponsor of the In-School Mentoring Program.

Refer a Friend-
Talk to co-workers or other individuals you know who would enjoy working with kids. Word of mouth is the programs's best promotion.

Time-
This program has been designed to fit into your fast-paced lifestyle.

• one hour per week
• during the school/work day
• only when school is in session (not during the summer, Christmas, March Break, etc).

Money- None

• Friendships are based on mutual interests and time. We do not encourage Mentors to spend money on their Mentees.

Screening-
Big Brother/Big Sister agences are leaders in interviewing and matching children in a one-to-one relationship with an adult. Becoming a Mentor requires that interested individuals go through an orientation and interview, along with a personal reference and police background check. As you can appreciate, the safety of our children is of paramount importance.