As a youth serving organization, Big Brothers/Big Sisters has for years provided assistance to children through a variety of programs.  Mentoring can be a powerful tool in early intervention in the lives of youth who are likely to benefit.

Relationships with an adult mentor can provide the stability and support that is crucial to the healthy development of a child.  This type of relationship has the potential to significantly impact the growth and emotional well being of the child.

This is not merely an abstract theory or a nice thought.  Research demonstrates that a mentoring relationship has a real and measurable impact in the life of a child in need.  This impact is evidenced by a growing body of research that confirms that children with a reliable and consistent relationship with an adult are better equipped to face challenges in their daily lives.

An examination of children and how they respond to the circumstances in their lives reveals an indication of how mentoring can benefit a child.  Researchers and psychologists have studied the development of children, and have attempted to explain why some children overcome hardship, and some do not.

Outcomes for children participating in the traditional Big Brother Big Sister Program

Mentored children (in comparison to non-mentored children):

• show greater self-reliance
• are less likely to lose their temper when they get angry
• are less often sad, fearful, angry, frustrated and anxious
• have more favourable attitudes toward school
• have better overall academic performance
• skip half as many days of school
• are more likely to step in and stop an argument
• are more likely to get along with parents, peers and siblings
• are 46 per cent less likely to initiate alcohol and other drug use
• Children who have been in the Big Brother/Big Sister program see real and positive change. Nearly 80 per cent of Little Brothers and Sisters who came from a social assistance background no longer rely on this form of income.

A mentor can provide the attachment a child needs that can lead to the fulfillment of other basic needs.

The “mentor” is usually the older of the two, and the protégé or ‘mentee’ is the younger.  The relationship is a friendship that provides support and inspiration to the mentee.  It is a caring relationship that gives the mentee acceptance, nurturing and empathy.   A mentor extends the support base in a child’s lives

Big Brother/Big Sister agencies facilitate and support these relationships that are critical to the healthy growth of children who are at risk, and need help.

Research Outcomes for children served in the In-School Mentoring programs

Of children participating in the In-School Mentoring programs:

• 64% developed higher levels of self-confidence
• 64% developed more positive attitudes towards school             
• 58% achieved higher grades
• 60% improved relationships with adults and 56 per cent with their peers
• 55% were better able to express their feelings
• 47% showed improvement in tolerating frustrations

For more information on each programs, click on the links below:

Big Brothers
Big Sisters
In-School Mentoring
R.Y.S.E.
Big Buddy
Empowering Our Little Sisters
Ototema II
Empowering Justice