Benefits of Mentoring
Being a mentor is about having fun. It's about sharing time and exploring the world together. A mentor provides inspiration, acceptance, challenge, a sympathetic ear and exposure to new ideas and activities. It's about sharing little moments to create big magic! Children Matched With Mentors are:
- 80% more likely to finish high school
- 46% less likely to use drugs
- 27% less likely to use alcohol
- 52% less likely to skip school
As well, 78% of Littles who came from a social assistance background don’t rely on this form of income as adults. Sharing 1 hour per week as an In-School Mentor has a huge impact on the children in the program:
- 64% of students with an In-School Mentor developed more positive attitudes toward school
- 58% achieved higher grades in social studies, language and math
- 60% improved relationships with adults
- 56% improved relationships with peers
Many businesses and organizations support In-School Mentoring by giving their staff time off to mentor a child for 1 hour per week.
Mentoring benefits not only the child but the employer and the employee. Children show improved:
- Confidence, self-esteem and sense of hope
- Academics
- School attendance
- Interaction with peers, parents and teachers
- Social and communication skills
They are more likely to finish high school and less likely to be involved in criminal activity. Volunteers tend to be:
- Happy, healthy and fulfilled
- Conscientious, productive
- Stress-free with a positive outlook on life
The employer gains by:
- An enhanced image in the community
- Attracting future employees
- Contributing to the development of healthy children and a stronger community
Businesses who allow employees to volunteer see changes such as:
- Pride by employees
- Boosted morale
- Strengthened work teams
- Increased job satisfaction
Employees that participate often take on new job responsibilities and leadership roles.
To partner with Big Brothers Big Sisters and allow your employees to mentor a child in Saskatoon, or if you are an employee and are interested in getting the program going at your workplace, contact us at office@bbbssaskatoon.org or call 244-8197.