Youth Exchange
BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS PEEL
What a pleasure to see the long-lasting impact of our Rotary Youth exchange program – through the experience of Aine Magennis, our guest speaker. Aine recalled her 1989 sponsorship by our Brampton Club when she spent a year in Australia. This began a life-long desire to travel and learn languages and develop a career in communications. Aine wore her 25 year old red “RYE” jacket to this presentation.
Aine is now working on Stakeholder Engagement with BBBS Peel promoting their mentoring programs for children 6-17 years of age. Due to the tremendous need for mentoring, programs have been set up in schools and community centres. One-on-one mentoring for one hour per week for elementary students is open to adults of all ages – including seniors. The mentor goes to the school for one hour to play, do crafts or puzzles, and engage with the child, usually a grade 2, 3 or 4 student. For those on wait lists for mentors there are a variety of group programs including two programs for 12-14 year olds - GoGirls and GameOn (for boys).
There is a Conversation Club for teens and a program for newcomer refugee children. These two programs welcome university/college age students to share information and role modelling. There is always a need for mentors in the traditional program. The applications for all programs are on line.
BBBS Peel programs facilitate enhanced self-esteem, relationship-building, social skills and positive attitudes for all participants.
Aine also welcomes teams of 5 -6 to participate in the annual Fundraiser “Bowl for Kids Sake”.
BBBS is funded by the United Way 25%, government 25%, sponsorships 25% and fundraising 25% so the bowling fundraiser makes services available to many children in our community. Sponsorships range from $1200 to $150 for the bowling. The Brampton events are at Brunswick Bramalea Lanes on Monday February 22nd, 5-7 p.m., April 2 and May 9. For more information on programs and bowling go to www.bbbspeel.com or 905-457-7288, ext. 223.