 |
 |
 |
|
|
FAQ Below, are the answers to some Frequently Asked Questions. What is Big Brothers Big Sisters? Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Africa (BBBSSA) is a non-profit initiative that provides a framework for contemporary mentorship in an attempt to restore a positive life vision and provide inspirational role models to youth. The programme offers one-to-one mentoring relationships to children in need ("Littles") who are matched with volunteers ("Bigs") who they meet with for at least one hour a week, for a minimum period of one year.
The practice of mentoring is an age-old concept. It is a tried and proven system where an older, more experienced role model provides a younger counterpart with guidance, care and support over time, and so assists them in maximising their potential. By spending time with children in need, the adult volunteers provide positive role models and life experiences that help build personal values such as self-esteem, self-respect and respect for others. The effects of these relationships typically last a lifetime. Does the programme work? Internationally, results of the programme indicate that children matched with a Big Brother or Big Sister are 52% more likely to stay in school, 46% less likely to use drugs, and 32% less likely to engage in violence. Children with mentors also show an increase in self-confidence, self-worth, the ability to trust and make better decisions and choices. What or who are the bigs? Big Brothers and Big Sisters are volunteers who meet regularly over a period of time with a young person ("Little") in a professionally managed programme that creates and supports these relationships. Bigs are simply caring adults who are committed to spending a minimum of a hour a week, for one year, with a Little. A Big can be a student, a professional or a retired person. The adult volunteer ("Big") provides friendship, guidance and support and becomes a role model, a mentor; but most of all, a friend. When did the Big Brother Big Sister programme start? Big Brothers first started in America in 1904 with the Big Sisters of America beginning a year later. In 1977, these two organisations merged to form Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. There are now over 508 agencies with more than 350 000 children participating in the programme in the US alone, and the programme operates in more than 36 countries around the world. When and how did Big Brothers Big Sisters start in South Africa? Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Africa is a programme of the Partners for Children Educational Trust that was formally established in September 2000 as a "programme in formation" of Big Brothers Big Sisters International. Mentoring activities commenced in Cape Town in March 2001, Gauteng in March 2002 and KwaZulu Natal in September 2005. In May 2002, Big Brothers Big Sisters became a full affiliate of Big Brothers Big Sisters International as a result of its achievements during the first eighteen months of operation. The Trust was set up as a partnership between key role-players in the development of youth in South Africa, these being the Attorney General, Police Commissioner, Department of Education, Department of Social Services, Nicro, Business Against Crime and Rotary. Is Big Brothers Big Sisters a Christian-based organization? No. We are an interdenominational organization and welcome volunteers of all faiths to join us.
To become a Big Brother or Big Sister, you would first need to submit an application form, together with 3 references. We would then arrange to meet you for an interview and assess your personal interests, preferences and suitability for the programme. You would also need to agree to a criminal background check and complete a professionally administered personality profile. Once selected, you will participate in our 18-hour training course, over 3 days. The training is specifically geared towards developing and preparing you for your role as a Big, and the basic preparation training focuses on issues such as the roles and responsibilities of a Big, self-esteem development, communication skills, relationship building, values and cultural diversity, child development, HIV/AIDS awareness, and sexuality and gender. There are also ongoing training workshops throughout the year, dealing with subjects of interest and pertinence to your role as a Big including substance abuse, rape & sexual abuse, conflict resolution, and trauma management. When does the training take place? The training course is held over 3 consecutive days: Western Cape
Gauteng and KwaZulu Natal:
Will I receive a Certificate for the training course? Yes, you will receive a certificate, but only once you have completed your year of mentoring. If you simply want to participate in the training and not become a mentor, you can pay a nominal fee of R850 for the training and obtain your certificate directly thereafter. Do I have to pay for the training course? No, you do not have to pay for the training. However, should you decide, at the end of the training, not to become a mentor, you would need to reimburse us for the cost of the training which is R850. How old do I have to be to become a Big? You would need to be at least eighteen years old. Will I be paid for being a Big? No, the programme is entirely voluntary and Bigs receive no monetary compensation. Who will be my Little? Your Little will be a child between the ages of 6 and 18, who has been identified by a teacher, parent, foster parent, guardian and/or social worker as a "child at risk" or "child in need" who could benefit from a positive role model. Can I choose my own Little? When you come for your interview with the case manager, you will be asked if you have any specific preferences regarding your Little with regards to aspects such as personality, age, race, gender and language. In this way, you get to mould your Little, into a child that you can work with for a minimum period of a year.
You meet your Little once you complete the training course and after the Little has been interviewed and assessed. The Case Manager will arrange your first meeting ("match day") when you'll be introduced to each other, swap phone numbers, and make arrangements for the next time. Thereafter, you and your Little meet for an hour, once a week for at least a year. You can meet for longer. In fact, matches last an average of 3 to 5 years internationally. Some last a lifetime. Where will I meet my Little? Our Littles are referred from schools, from children's homes as well as from the community programme where partnerships are formed with other organisations like Don Bosco Hostel and Boys & Girls Town. Where you meet with your Little will depend on the Little's place of referral. If your Little is from a school, or a children's home, you will in all likelihood, meet with him or her at the school or home. Alternatively, you can meet at a chosen venue, such as the library, local park or community centre. Can I meet with my Little for more than a hour a week? Yes, most definitely, if you can. The minimum requirement is an hour a week. What if I go on holiday and can't see my Little? You need to inform your Little and Case Manager of your absence in advance - and try to phone or write at least once a week while you are away. Do I have to meet with my Little during the holidays? No, you are not obliged to meet with your Little during the holidays but it would be nice if you could keep in contact with him or her either telephonically or by writing. What happens if I experience problems with my Little? From the day you are matched, your case manager is there to support you and will stay in regular contact. The case manager will therefore be in a position to assist you with problems that may arise, and our ongoing training programmes will help if there are particular problem areas that you wish to understand in more detail. Will Big Brother Big Sister provide me with transport to meet with my Little? No, you are responsible for arranging your own transport to your Little. Do I have to write any reports? No, but you do need to complete a brief activity log sheet after each meeting, noting the date, time, duration and nature of activity. The activity logs need to be returned to the case manager every month end. What activities must I do with my Little? You and your Little can decide together on the activities you want to do each week. Some Bigs help their Littles with homework and reading, while others play games or sport with them. You may both enjoy an activity or you may be able to teach your Little a new skill - such as playing an instrument if he or she is interested. Perhaps you and your Little will enjoy arts and craft activities. Your role is to be a caring friend to your Little. Can I take my Little out? Yes, but you would need to arrange this in advance with your Little's teacher or parent. Many Bigs, once they have established a relationship with their Little's, take them out for an ice cream or lunch, but please remember you are not expected to do this. It's entirely up to you. What happens to my Little after a year? Can I continue to see my Little? From the beginning, it is explained to your Little, that the relationship between him or her and the Big is for a minimum of one year. You are also encouraged during that year, as the time approaches, to prepare your Little for the closure of the relationship, by informing him or her of the number of months and weeks remaining. You are, however, more than welcome, if you choose, to continue to see your Little after the year has come to an end. What difference can the Big Brother Big Sister programme make in a Little's life? There are many children who need an adult friend and mentor to give them support during their growing-up years - someone with whom to develop a relationship that helps them gain a sense of belonging and self confidence. They need someone with whom to do things and to go places - an adult friend to talk with about trials and triumphs. Such support is important for children at risk of failing in school, of engaging in harmful behaviour, or of not developing to their fullest potential. By spending an hour a week with a child-in-need, you can provide him or her with such support, with a positive role model and positive life experiences that help build personal values such as self-esteem, self-respect and respect for others. Having a Big Brother or a Big Sister can help the Little develop caring, trusting and supportive relationships and encourage him or her to develop a vision for the future that will mean they could achieve their full potential.
|
|
