The programme had people come and discover how they could play a role in transforming the life of a vulnerable child. The programme came just in time before Child Protection Week which will take place from 31 May to 7 June.
The programme is run by a local non-governmental organisation, The Peace Agency, which assists vulnerable children and at-risk youth who lack adequate adult role models and family support. Bright Stars Gauteng then recruits, screens and trains suitable adult mentors who are matched with a child. The mentor and child then engage in a one-on-one relationship for a minimum of one hour per week for a period of a year.
“Child Protection Week serves to create awareness around the vulnerability of children, but it so often leaves us feeling helpless, wondering what we could possibly do to help them discover a brighter future,” said Ruth dos Santos, Bright Stars programme manager.
She said the programme was modelled on the international mentorship programme Big Brothers Big Sisters. Bright Stars aims to provide ordinary members of the public with a simple way that they can play a powerful role in the transformation of childrens’ lives.
“We recruit and train our mentors who are just ordinary members of the public to walk alongside these children, to care for them and about them so that they can realise their value to society and reach their full potential,” added Dos Santos.
Irene Schoeman, head of Bright Stars Gauteng, added that volunteers who are interested in becoming mentors are encouraged to attend the training session where they will be given in-depth information about the programme and what to anticipate when dealing with vulnerable youth.
Details: www.brightstarsmentors.org.za
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