By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

#MentoringMonth encourages changing the life of a youth

Jan 17, 2019 | 2:45 PM

Youth HQ in Red Deer is asking central Albertans to consider volunteering for as little as one hour a week to change the life of a young person.

The message comes as part of #MentoringMonth, which takes place throughout January, and as 3,000 youth across Alberta are awaiting a match with a suitable mentor. The 17th of January is also the International Day of Mentoring.

“We each have what it takes to make a real, lasting difference in the life of a child or youth, by showing up and being a consistent, caring presence,” says Jacquie Boyd, Executive Director.

“There are far too many kids here in our community who are still waiting for someone to share their challenges and achievements with, to laugh and have fun with, to encourage their hopes and dreams, and to open their eyes to a broader world of possibilities.”

According to a 2016 study commissioned by the Alberta Mentoring Partnership and conducted at the University of Alberta with PolicyWise, children and youth who have the support of a mentor do better in school, go on to successful careers, and are more likely to give back to their communities.

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Ninety-two per cent of mentees said mentoring increased their hope for the future, 89 per cent said mentoring increased their social skills, and 81 per cent said mentoring helped them stay in school.

Albertans can visit AlbertaMentors.ca or YouthHQ.ca for more information on mentoring.