Creating opportunities for children and young people to thrive in education, work and life.
The North Central LLEN supports the facilitation of the MATES (mentor, assist, target, engage, skills) mentoring programs in Wedderburn, Wycheproof, Donald and Pyramid Hill.
Working with each of the local Coordinators, the North Central LLEN provides access to resources and support to help each of the programs meet the needs of young people and the wider community. Mentors can provide social, emotional, and educational and careers support to students. “Being a mentor is about becoming a positive and motivating influence in someone’s life. Mentors connect, encourage and inspire young people to reach their full potential.”
Effective and supportive partnerships between the NCLLEN, schools, Shires, Health Services, Resource Centres, Neighbourhood Houses, group training organisations, welfare and church groups across the North Central region have been developed and are crucial to the sustainability and success of mentoring programs in local communities.
By providing support based on mutual respect, mentors contribute to the young person’s self- esteem and motivation to set goals for their future. The MATES mentoring program aims to match young people with an experienced role model who will take a genuine interest in their future over a sustained period of time and support them through school.
A mentor can broaden the young person’s understanding of life, career options and the world of work, providing the opportunity to network with people they would not otherwise meet. The program also offers mentors an increased understanding and appreciation of the challenges and opportunities faced by young people and the prospect of developing strong community leadership skills.
Below is a video put together to promote the Wycheproof MATES program featuring Mentors, Mentees, the Coordinator and the School Principal.
Below are some of the resources that have been developed as part of the program: