Make a Difference...become a mentor

Posted by Manon Mitchell 
 
The Mentoring Program is a crucial part of the Rotary Syrian Refugee project. We are looking for Rotarians, or Rotarian Couple of step up and become mentors.
 
So….  What is involved?
 
Each mentor is assigned one family.  The mentor reviews the profile of the family and makes a decision as to whether they feel this family is a good fit.  The family also has an opportunity to know about the mentor who could be assigned to ensure they agree.  These matches are overseen by Rotarian Ghada Alatrash who makes the connections, and backs up the mentors to ensure that it will be a fit and will work as time goes by.
 
The Syrian Women’s Club backs up the program with translators, as some of the Refugees are struggling
In this area.
 
The general commitment is for one year of support.  Initially during first few weeks there may be several visits, but as the Refugees start making their own connections and get adjusted, the mentor may only be in contact on a monthly basis.  The amount of time involved varies a great deal depending on the needs of the family.
 
What do the Mentors do?
 
  • First and foremost mentors offer a hand of friendship and support!
  • Establish what their situation is in the lodging that they have.  Do they have basic needs met?  What more do they need?
  • Explore the needs with the parents. What do they say they need?   Whether it be immediate needs for basics, or an understanding of how to use the C-Train, or get to a school (maybe take the child to the school and act as an intermediary with the school officials), where grocery stores are, how to get there; how to access language training, the job situation, etc. mentors either have the information, know where to find the information or have much easier access to people who can help with finding the information.
  • Planning a special event with the family is always appreciated.  This could be an outing to Chunky Cheese, (see photo with Rotarian couple, the Mostafas, with their family at CC} or a meal at your home, or a ride around town on the C-Train, or visit to the Zoo etc.
  • The mentor will receive advice and back up, and can seek assistance at any time.  “I don’t know, but will find out.” Is a very appropriate response to some questions or concerns.
  • Each family receives a brief explanation of what the mentors can and cannot do.  This page of information written in Arabic is given to the family.
There will be a training/consultation night for mentors, prospective mentors and others interested.  If you would like to attend contact Garth Toombs at garthtoombs@shaw.ca.  The meeting will be held at the Calgary Scouts House 2140 Brownsea Drive NW (adjacent to Memorial Drive) at 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM on Tuesday, April 19.
 
If you have an interest in being a Mentor, or even just finding out more, contact one of the people below.
Ghada Alatrash   ghadaalatrash@live.com
Barb Young   barbary1@telus.net
Paul Bates    pt.bates@me.com
Manon Mitchell   manon@mycadenza.com
Garth Toombs   garthtoombs@shaw.ca