Mission Australia is calling for youth mentors throughout the City of Moreland to provide career guidance for local secondary students. The Glenroy M2M program is a community-based initiative that aims to provide guidance and support to local Year 10 students attending Box Forest Secondary College.

The Glenroy M2M program assists young people at risk of dropping out of school by pairing them up with mentors from the local community to help with their career development. M2M mentors provide individual support and assistance to these students to help them transition successfully from school to career.

Glenroy M2M mentor and Moreland Youth Resource Officer, Senior Constable Di Cambridge from Fawkner Police Station said the Mission Australia program is a rewarding and invaluable experience for everyone involved.

“Seeing the kids improve in self-esteem and confidence through helping them identify and achieve their career goals is a positive and motivating experience,” said Senior Constable Cambridge.

“For a lot of these kids, school becomes so much more engaging and important once they have some career direction and they know what they’re aiming for.”

Mission Australia’s Glenroy M2M Coordinator, Isabella Rosinsky said the M2M program has been effective in improving the attendance rates and general enthusiasm of Year 10 students.

“Unemployment is particularly high in Glenroy compared to other Moreland suburbs and the Melbourne average. The average weekly individual income in Glenroy is also much lower. We believe that the Glenroy M2M program can really make a difference to these kids’ lives by giving them the support and guidance they need to stick with school and increase their opportunities for employment and a better future,” Ms Rosinsky said.

Mission Australia is looking for strong and positive role modes to provide these students with the skills and guidance necessary to successfully develop career goals and strong community relationships.

Mentors who participated in the 2006 program came from a range of professions and backgrounds including, solicitors, teachers, retirees, university students, small business owners, Fawkner Cemetery workers and the Fawkner Police Station. However, anyone from the local community who would like to help a young person is welcome to apply. There are no special skills required.

Mission Australia will provide volunteers with valuable training to equip them with the necessary skills and information to participate as a mentor.

Glenroy M2M at a glance:

What: The Glenroy M2M program involves spending at least two hours a week (during school hours) mentoring a Year 10 student from Box Forest Secondary College, Glenroy. They will work with the students on career planning and a community project.

When: The program will commence in February 2007

Where: The program will be run at Box Forest Secondary College, Glenroy.

Training: All mentors will be provided with training and a certificate of recognition.

How to apply:
For further information on this volunteering opportunity, please contact
Isabella Rosinsky, Program Coordinator, Mentoring to Mobilise (Glenroy) 03 9416 7488

For media enquiries or to arrange for an interview or photo opportunity, please contact PPR Melbourne: Carmel Bordignon on 03 8643 1625 or Kate McDowall on 03 8643 1627