GUEST SPEAKER, MATTY STEWART - STANDING TALL
Chairperson Jules introduced Matty Stewart from Standing Tall, a mentoring program conducted at Brauer and Warrnambool College for years 7 & 9. Mentor have contact with a student for 1 hour a week in various activities to encourage healthy development. Matt explained the program which now involves 50 students. He said more students could participate if more mentors were available.
While not ever mentoring relationship is successful there have been many successes. Students now ask if they can join the program.
Dennis Napthine is the program’s Ambassador, and it is expected that Emmanuel College will also join.
People can apply to be mentors and, if accepted, receive training and are then matched up to a student. Hamilton and Heywood schools are using ‘Standing Tall’ also and there have been inquiries from far and wide about the program.
Matt answered quite a number of questions from interested members.
Louise Keogh then spoke about Rypen, a Rotary initiative, which may be of value to the students involved in Standing Tall. Rypen teaches life skills to the participants, amongst other things.
Acting President Brian thanked Matt for his explanation of the program, and presented him with the usual certificate.
Anyone interested in being a mentor can contact Matty Stewart on 0419874054, or Email on coordinator@standingtall1w.com.au