Gail A Cassidy

Kids Mentoring Kids Gail A Cassidy

Kids helping kids provides growth for both the mentor and the student being mentored. The goal is to provide teens with the tools necessary to participate to their fullest in and outside the school community. Mentors learn and then teach leadership skills to their mentorees. Skills include communication skills, body language, human relation skills and much more. Their support of their mentorees opens the door for success in school and for personal self-development for these teens. The major benefits of Kids Mentoring Kids is reduced incidents of bullying, improved individual self-concepts, improved grades, and improved attitudes. The program was initially designed for students who needed help, whether academically or socially; however, the mentors also benefitted from the mentoring experience. Statements such as "I felt important." "It was the first time I felt looked up to." "I like the fact that I can be trusted and that I can help someone else." "I know that I need someone to talk to sometimes-being there for someone else is great." "I've learned that I can be a bigger person, a person to go to in a time of trouble," and "I loved helping the underclassmen" were typical of the responses from the mentors on follow-up of the programs. The responses from parents of those being mentored were also positive. A typical response is from one mother who said her son actually looks forward to going to school. Before that, he was scared to leave his home. Teachers commented on improved grades of those being mentored. The primary goals for both mentor and mentoree include enhanced self-esteem, acceptance, validation, and self-actualization. Teens learn how they can be the best that they can be and teach their mentorees the same.