Vision
To motivate, inspire and encourage young people (with a particular focus on ages 13 to 19) to reach their potential and be ready to play their part in the 21st Century world of work as happy, creative, entrepreneurial and resilient people.
Mission
Affirming and encouraging the ‘Spirit of Mentoring’; with an outcome where young people are guided and equipped to reach their potential, living healthy and balanced lifestyles, within the context of a safe, supportive and secure environment.
Resources
The Mentoring Matters material has been developed in line with the findings of international and Australasian research about young people, including some of the most recent adolescent brain research. This material will encourage parents, teachers, volunteer adult mentors and anyone working with youth.
Mentoring Blogs reflects the years of experience being shared with anyone who wishes to encourage, motivate and inspire young people.
To be cared for (loved)
- Youth wish to feel safe and secure.
- The more they are cared for, the more secure they feel.
- They wish to be surrounded by people who unconditionally care for, appreciate and accept them.
- They value the positive influences of peers and adults to encourage them to do their best.
- They are encouraged to appreciate that they are more likely to fulfill their potential when there are clear rules or boundaries in place (some of which can be negotiated). When they step over these boundaries there will be reasonable consequences.
To be valued
- The more youth are valued the more positive self-worth they experience.
- They are encouraged to feel they have some control over things that happen to them.
- Empowering them will be proof that they are valued, respected, liked and are regarded as valuable resources.
- They value fun time to interact with peers and adults, which involves the development of social skills.
To know that life has meaning and purpose
- Youth want to know that they matter and their lives have significance.
- The more they understand that there is a reason for their existence, the more significant they will feel.
- They value encouragement to explore opportunities within and outside of school to learn and develop new skills and interests.
- They are encouraged to acquire a commitment to learning: academic success and the long-term value of learning enhances their self-worth as they discover their gifts and talents.
- They learn to appreciate and understand how to make the tough decisions and choices; how to cope with new situations.
- They value guidance to develop a positive view of the future.
Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as you ever can.