Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland has been providing vulnerable girls between the ages of seven and 17 with positive female mentors for more than 50 years.
With such a long history in our communities, most people have heard of Big Sisters, but many parents and teachers aren't aware that the agency also offers a unique mentoring program that focuses on academics.
The Study Buddy Mentoring program offers girls educational support and guidance by matching them in one-to-one relationships with volunteer tutors.
The program provides academic support for girls who cannot access other tutoring services due to financial constraints.
Study Buddy matches meet for one hour, once a week for a minimum of six months and work together to help the girl meet her academic goals and improve her educational performance, which contributes to her overall sense of selfesteem.
The girls referred to the Study Buddy program have expressed or exhibited a need for academic assistance, yet are unable to access this at home or elsewhere due to family or financial constraints. They may also have a low level of engagement in their school, evidenced through absenteeism, lack of interest in school, or social insecurity.
"The Study Buddy program is not just about getting good grades; it's about mentoring girls so they learn valuable study skills, build up their confidence in their academic abilities, and discover an interest in learning, that hopefully lasts a lifetime," says Study Buddy program coordinator, Ivy Chiang.
Big Sisters is currently accepting referrals for girls on the North Shore who are between the ages of seven and 17 for the Study Buddy Mentoring program. For more information, visit www.bigsisters. bc.ca or call 604-873-4525 ext. 300.
