Mentors recognised
Melbourne’s Jewish Care has acknowledged the work of volunteer mentors participating in its Young Achievers Program.
Mentors mix it with those they help
More than 60 volunteer mentors have contributed to the welfare of 70 Jewish teenagers through the program. Last week was Youth Mentor Week and the care organisation says they have “high-fived its team of amazing mentors who year-round strive to improve young lives in our community”.
The innovative mentoring program this year celebrates 10 years of helping youth develop life skills, improve self-confidence and reach higher.
Jewish Care YAP Coordinator Lana Block said it was important to recognise the efforts of those who unconditionally gave their time and experience to others, including young people facing challenges in their lives. She said 2013 Youth Mentoring Week was particularly significant as it also marked the mentoring program’s 10th anniversary.
“Youth Mentoring Week acknowledges and celebrates the contribution of these special volunteers and the positive impact they have on young people,” she said.
“I have seen first-hand how our Young Achievers Program mentors have helped 15 to 18 year olds during their challenging school to adulthood transition.”
“I had one participant discover an interest in writing who now writes his own blog about Israeli news and current affairs. He has even had an article published! Others have been guided in subject choices and work experience towards their chosen profession. There is also invaluable emotional support,” she said.
Ms Block explained that the Young Achievers Program paired each teenage mentee with a mature mentor, a volunteer in the community, who helped participants to achieve their goals. She said the program also fostered knowledge, skills and friendships in a fun way through workshops, cultural exchange, theatre sports, self-defense, first aid training and rock climbing.
To find out more about the 2014 Young Achiever Program contact Lana Block on (03) 8517 5626 orlblock@jewishcare.org.au
