Testimonials

These are comments from past mentees, carers and mentors.

What mentors had learnt from the mentoring experience:

The hardest part of being a mentor is knowing when to keep my mouth shut.

Being with young people isn’t so scary.

Patience is a virtue.

Even though I’ve got adult kids of my own, there is still so much to learn about young people.

I’ve learnt I like giving my opinion too much and I need to have good self control.

Relationships and encouragement are very important for young people.

I enjoy going to different places I thought I wouldn’t like.

Not all young people are on the wrong track.

Young people are busy too – so don’t take it personally.

They are individuals who each have their idiosyncrasies which more than ever helps me realize I cannot generalize.

They have more energy to burn than what I thought possible.

I need to develop my listening skills more.

Given the right guidance, they can go from strength to strength.

Mentees carers:

(Name of mentee) had something special to look forward to, which I think improved his self esteem. He was starting to talk to me which he admitted he found hard.

(Name of mentee) benefited by just having time out and feeling safe with another person.

The School Principal cannot believe this is the same kid.

(Name of mentee) now has interest whereas before he wasn’t interested in anything.

What mentees had learnt from the mentoring experience:

I’ve learnt to be more patient and not so angry; I’ve learnt to be more flexible.

I’ve learnt how to stick up for myself without being bullied.

I’m happier with my family.

I feel a part of this world now and my mentor has helped me lots.

Family members, teachers and friends are not putting as much pressure on me like they used to. I’ve calmed myself down.

I’m better organised.

I’m looking forward to the future now. I want to be a mechanic.

I’m smarter than what I thought.