Scotiabank Group Jamaica | Wealth | Business | Everyday Banking | Community | Youth

- Staff Volunteer in Big Brother Big Sister Initiative

While many Jamaicans often use their Sundays to do their routine weekly chores, or get some well needed R&R, a group of employees of Scotiabank take this time to regularly bond and lyme with a few youngsters whom they were mentor through the Scotiabank’s Big Brother Big Sister Mentorship Programme.

The programme was developed in 2008 to allow Scotiabankers to play a guiding role in the development of youngsters who are enrolled in the Scotiabank scholars club and to reach out to young scholars, many who are from poorer communities with few role models. These students are mentored by Scotia staff who voluntarily meet with their mentees on a regular basis through one on one sessions and monthly through group mentorship.

The programme has experienced tremendous success since it was introduced and makes a dramatic difference in the lives of the youngsters from a qualitative standpoint.
Debbie Clue, manager of corporate social responsibility at Scotiabank says that “many close friendships have developed, students have seen improved academic performance, and many who were shy before have become more open to address their challenges. Being able to share with their mentors is re-inforcement for some while others have this as there only chance to get a caring adult to listen to their concerns. It’s really the formation of a new family!” Ms. Clue further explained that the students also get increased exposure as they go on visits with mentors to places they have never been to before.

Twenty year old UTech student, O’Neil Perrin, a former student of Campion College has been a beneficiary of the programme for over two years. He believes that a relationship with a mentor at Scotiabank has taught him how to transition from being a teenager to a responsible adult. “I have been able to share some of the challenges that I have come upon at school and even in my community with my mentor and got great advice. I am motivated and encourage each time we meet. The programme should continue for a very long time. I hope that many other young men like myself will be able to enroll and benefit from the exposure,” he said. O’Neil added that an event like the one held on Sunday encourages networking and presents the opportunity to bond more with his mentor.

The mentoring programme applies both group and individual mentorship strategies as it seeks to give the participants a chance to develop a close relationship with each other and significantly impact each other’s lives. The programme recently held one of its quarterly group mentoring lyme at the Bank’s sports club in Kingston. Mentees journeyed from all across the corporate area to attend Sunday’s affair. The event which was organized by the group of mentors, led by Karen Tomlinson, a mentor from Scotiabank Half Way Tree gave mentees and a few parents parent the opportunity to have fun while they learnt from each other as they shared their experiences.

Upon arrival the mentees were met with a pleasant surprise as they were treated to the plethora of activities including board games, music and sporting activities. In addition to the games and entertainment, Valerie Briscoe, a mentor the Premier Plaza Branch engaged the group in a light rap session following a meal that left everyone re-energized and in the mood to enjoy the rest of the afternoon.

Terryann Kilburn, mother of twelve year old mentee Kimone Kilburn, who accompanied her daughter to the event ensured that she did not miss out on any of the action. Kimone sees these occasions as an opportunity to ‘let her hair down’. “I feel like I am with family when I am here with the mentors and their mentees,” she explained. She continued to cite how the programme has helped with the development of her child and recommends that the programme expands to reach even more youngsters.