Mentor-Buddy Initiative launched for children in state-care

The ‘Mentor- Buddy Initiative’ created by the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security’s Young Influencers 2023-2024 cohort, seeks to pair adult mentors with youngsters in communities and state care agencies.

The aim is to ensure that these children can benefit from the support that require to deal with certain scourges, such as bullying and violence in schools.

Launched a few days ago at the Regency Suites Hotel in Georgetown, both boys and girls are expected to benefit from the initiative that subject minister, Dr Vindhya Persaud said will help the youths not to resort to violence as a means of resolving conflicts.

Inspired by the bond between siblings, the initiative pairs the children with mentors who act as supportive and caring role models, aiming to bridge the gap between children and the support they need to thrive.

It incorporates the values of the Young Influencers ABC (Anti-Bullying Campaign) and creates a culture of inclusivity and kindness. Through workshops, activities, and discussions, participants learn the importance of standing up against bullying and embracing diversity.

“This Mentor Buddy programme has been in the works for some time…It works towards many scourges, especially things like bullying and violence in schools. We have done significant work. We did outreaches to 34 schools across the country and we continue to do that this year,” Minister Persaud shared.

According to her, the programme is intended to involve two elements: peer membership and adult-young person mentorship. “Young people will have that support structure, that support person, so that they can move in a direction where they can achieve their goals,” Minister Persaud explained.

“This is not just for children in state care but we are expanding it so it can become a national programme where mentorship and the opportunity for young people to gain from that mentorship becomes a powerful thing,” she added.