Schools have a variety of great programs for children and local Principal, Nadine Tambellini of Central Elementary in Port Coquitlam, believes that the Big Brothers programs are definitely in the top ten. “The first thing I heard about when I started at Central Elementary three years ago were the In-School and Teen Mentoring programs through Big Brothers of Greater Vancouver,” explains Tambellini.
Participating schools are set up through Big Brothers of Greater Vancouver so that training and support can be given. To qualify for the programs, caring teachers, principals, counsellors and others recommend children that they feel need a little extra attention or guidance.
"We had a child that had some behavioral problems and yet on the days he was to see his Teen Mentor, he was on his best behavior,” notes Tambellini. “At one point, the child was so upset because his family moved and he was transferred to another school and he could no longer see his Big Buddy. We ended up making arrangements for his Big Buddy to see him at the new school and it helped the child immensely.”
The two programs offered by Big Brothers require only one hour a week by a volunteer and always take place on school grounds. The In-School Mentoring program allows men and women to volunteer as mentors, whereas the Teen Mentoring program is a great opportunity for teens to become role models, as well as leaders. Tambellini believes this is very, very powerful as teenagers get to take on responsibility for kids in their community and are essentially ‘little teachers in action.’
"There was a child that had very few friends and little social skills,” explains Tambellini. “The Teen Mentor helped him to interact with the other kids just through his role-modeling and by building that relationship. He was able to say some tough things that were received well by the child and helped him be more able socially. I’ve never seen anything like it!”
Tambellini, along with many other principals and teachers, believes that these programs have a powerful impact on children. Many areas of improvement are obvious, such as improved attendance, increased self confidence, better social skills, improved behavior and generally more learned life skills.
"Because of the dedication of time from these volunteers, the children begin to understand that this is someone who listens to them and actually cares about them,” states Tambellini. “We had one child that lacked a lot of confidence but he was able to open up to his In-School Mentor and share things with him that he would have shared with his Dad if he’d had one. It really is priceless.”
When asked if there is a specific mentor that stands out, Tambellini exclaims they are all fabulous and she has even seen graduated Teen Mentors come back and continue to volunteer in an In-School Mentoring capacity. “There are many areas of vulnerability that these programs address for kids and that’s why I’m such a champion for Big Brothers,” Tambellini affirms. “They all get attached, celebrating birthdays and other events. They’re like another family member and once one family gets a mentor, then all the kids want one!”
