The Aldinga Schools Program

Aldinga School has been assisted by the Aldinga Community Centre and the Department of Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs in conjunction with the Aldinga/Sellicks Collaborative Communities Project to prepare and administrate their mentoring program. Adult members of our community can support identified students by sharing their life experiences. The program was designed and co-ordinated by Shane Scott who has a back-ground in community development and youth work.

Mentors can become role models that inspire younger people and can develop a personal relationship that is supportive of the mentee.

Mentoring is a concept that utilises the experince of older community members in schools to raise achievement, self confidence, personal and social skills in younger students. Additionally mentorships may accelerate the skills base of particularly talented students and support those experiencing difficulties.

Mentorships can have enormous benefits to mentorees and mentors.

For the mentee, mentoring can improve their life experiences and skills. It can help improve self-esteem, self-confidence and increase focus and motivation. They gain a broader horizon and experience which can improve their aspirations and achievements. 

For mentors, mentoring can give a sense of achievement in supporting another person to achieve their potential. Mentors voluntarily contribute their experience to the community. They feel valued and can directly contribute to our future community.

Key points of a good mentor:

Mentors have an opportunity to develop skills and understanding. They feel valued and can contribute to the community. The experience adds to their personal development.