wisdom

“I have been involved in mentoring programs for about 20 years. I started as a volunteer cook at a city mission and eventually became involved with the YWCA’s Aunties and Uncles Program.
“I very much agree with a comment once made by [activist and social scientist] Eva Cox – she said we are all responsible for each other and we must act for others so we can live with ourselves. This is how I feel and I wanted to do more in the community than give money. I currently mentor two young men. Mentoring is one way of trying to reach out and make a difference. I know I have made a huge difference to the lives of the two kids I work with.
“I have had disappointments; a kid takes a backward step and you think, ‘This is not going anywhere.’ But, you have to hang in there and realise you can’t make a bed of roses for them straight away. Just being there with them on their journey takes away a bit of their struggle, a bit of their loneliness and a bit of their burden.
“I have had enormous privileges and a lot of luck in my life, and I don’t feel comfortable unless I am giving something back. Mentoring shows you what the true issues in the community are. It enlightens you and it affects all your opinions. It gives you substance.”

Article published October 2008