Mentors sought to boost youngsters' self-belief

MENTORS are being sought to "cheer on" youngsters for a pilot scheme at two Moray secondary schools.

The Moray Council-led Mentoring Young Talent programme supports care-experienced and other disadvantaged young people to build confidence, and gain skills and qualifications.

Buckie and Elgin high schools are now seeking mentors to step up and help pupils who have joined the programme from the start of the new school year.

The scheme is looking for people in the Buckie and Elgin areas who are employed, can offer insights into their working days and provide support for an hour a week. It is hoped to roll out the scheme to other Moray schools.

Each young person is matched with an individual mentor as an impartial adult to talk to and build a positive relationship with.

Tackling educational inequity is at the heart of the programme, defining young people by their potential – not their situation.

Depute head teacher at Buckie High School, Sean Duffy, said the process can be transformative.

He said: "We are looking for mentors who can help bring out the talent and ability in our pupils.

"Our pupils will benefit from having a positive role model to learn from – someone who believes in them and cheers them on."

Programme co-ordinator Christine Fairbairn said: "The only qualification you need to be a mentor is the desire to help and be there. Our mentors help the young person they are matched with to realise their full potential and be empowered with the confidence and belief to make it happen.

"Similar schemes have been run in other areas of Scotland and there are proven benefits for the young person, the mentor and the wider community."

Lesley Prendergast, development officer for the charity Who Cares? Scotland, said: "This is an amazing opportunity for our young people to get one-to-one support, encouragement and guidance. I think it will be hugely impactful and positive."

Scottish Government figures last year showed only 5% of looked-after young people in Moray left school with a higher-level qualification, compared with 59% of their peers.

If you would like to find out more about becoming a mentor contact Christine by email at christine.fairbairn@moray.gov.uk.

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