By Aneeka Simonis
KIDS from vulnerable homes in Cockatoo are making big strides thanks to adult mentors helping them build skills around resilience.
Each year, a handful of kids are handpicked by teachers at Cockatoo Primary School to take part in the community-based mentor support program, 2XL.
They are paired with trained adult mentors, volunteers aged 14 to 70, and spend one-to-one time each week with their buddy cooking, kicking a footy, making billycarts or just talking.
Around 20 kids take part in the program which runs for six-weeks every school term – and it’s making a huge difference to their personal development.
Project co-ordinator Lynda Prout said one child would run for cover and hide when he first started in the program, but had now grown a lot more comfortable and sociable.
“He came to us early on. He was in the program for three years. At first, he’d hide under tables or run off. By the end of his time here, he’d come in like the place was his own,” she said.
“One-to-one time with a child is very powerful.”
Families are invited to take part in a dinner with their child and mentor, with up to 80 people turning out for the social meal at St Luke’s Anglican Church each week.
Some of the kids have been with the program since it started in 2011, and are due to graduate at the end of the year.
The bonds formed between child and mentor have formed so strongly that some continue to see each other outside of the program, according to Ms Prout.
“One boy who’s now in Year 9 still catches up with his old mentor. We don’t push that on them, but some end up becoming part of the child’s family.”
She said volunteers are scouted at the beginning of each school year, and those successful undergo training.
The most important thing they must remember when taking on the commitment is consistency.
“These kids often have adults come in and out of their lives so mentors need to be consistent where possible,” Ms Prout said.
When a child develops a close bond with their mentor, that’s when they begin to open up.
“It’s about the pair finding common ground. It can be while they’re doing activities that the conversations spring up,” said Ms Prout.
The Federal Government funded program is co-ordinated by Anglicare Australia.
If you require family violence assistance, please call 1800 Respect on 1800 737 732.
