VYC Members surround BBBS certificate. At centre is Chairman, Kenroy Roach and Project Coordinator Ms. Dinally. At Right is Ms. Goldie Scott.

The Host Organization for the BBBS Programme is the Volunteer Youth Corps under the Leadership of Kenroy Roach and Goldie Scott.

Big Brothers Big Sisters International (What they do)

Big Brothers Big Sisters International promotes and supports the development of Big Brothers Big Sisters - Type mentoring programs throughout the world, operating independently in various countries, and helps them build service capacity and create sustainability.

This is done by providing consultation, technical assistance, training and materials for NGOs wanting to develop this proven mentoring model. BBBS International sets standards and shares best practices for effective and sustainable implementation of the Big Brothers Big Sisters program.

It began around 1904, through the efforts of individual citizens indicating a concern for the well being of vulnerable children-children who faced many obstacles and were at risk of not developing to their fullest potential.

What is a Mentor? What do Mentors do?

*Friend *Share lunch together * Role model *Walk, talk. * Listener * Read. * Sounding board * Do crafts * Guide * Play games

Mentoring is easy, fun and rewarding!
Just by sharing activities from your daily life you can help at-risk children reach their fullest potential. Mentoring is about leading by example. The simple act of exposing a child to how you live your life, your goals, dreams, or hobbies, can open a new world of possibilities for a "Little" whose home environment may not provide them with a chance to dream of a bright future for themselves.

Why Mentoring

All over the world there are vulnerable children who may not be able to reach their full potential in growing up - refugees throughout Europe, street children in South America, young victims of HIV/AIDS in Africa, social orphans in Russia, children growing up in poverty around the world - children and youth who lack opportunities to go beyond their daily survival to experience positive youth development.

Without caring adult support during a crucial time in their life, children will be ill equipped to develop their skills and knowledge to become an important contributor to their country's future.

The Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring program is proven to be effective in helping children make important decisions. It has been proven that the program impacts positively on children's school attendance and academic performance - diminishes violent behavior - and delays the use of drugs and alcohol. A volunteer Big Brother or Big Sister helps a young person have a better sense of self and a positive view of the future. A mentoring relationship empowers both young people and adults to be active in their community - creating possibilities for both the Littles and the Bigs.

Programme Essential

The Big Brothers Big Sisters program is a professionally managed program. Educated and trained staff recruit and select volunteers, assess the needs of children and youth, communicate with parents and other primary caretakers, create the "matches" of adult and child, supervise the matches over the lifetime of the match, and officially close the matches when appropriate.

The proven success of the Big Brothers Big Sisters model depends on the following essentials:

• The program is voluntary for all parties involved

• The program is professionally managed

• All volunteers are screened for their appropriateness, ability, and safety

• All volunteers are provided with an orientation and training about mentoring and child development

• The needs of all children and youth are assessed before being matched

• All "matched" relationships are supervised by a professional

• Matches are professionally closed and all parties informed in writing

• A board of volunteers provides connections with the community, monitors the service delivery system, and assists in fund raising

• Policies and procedures for service delivery are developed that adhere to international standards and reflect the community in which the program is to be carried out

Steps are taken to measure the impact of the mentoring relationship and to ensure quality and safety