The Volunteer Youth Corps (VYC) of D’Urban Backlands yesterday held a kite-flying exercise for the children of its organisation which was aimed at strengthening the interaction between mentors and mentees.

Mentor Kojo McPherson and his 12-year-old mentee sharing a moment as they get their kite ready for the sky.

According to Goldie Scott, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of VYC, their programme caters for the mentoring of children from ages 6 to 17 years. Scott noted that at the organisation a “big brother, big sister” concept has been created which seeks to render in-school and out-of school assistance to less fortunate children within the D’Urban Backlands community, although children from other areas attend their three-hour meetings on Saturdays.

Each child is matched with his or her own mentor in a relationship which is expected to last for a period of six to 12 months, though in many cases it lasts longer explained the CEO.

Delina Best, one of the mentors at the VYC, described her experience as a challenging but rewarding one. Her mentee is a 13-year-old girl who has lost both her parents. She explained to Stabroek News that “though it can be challenging to encourage someone who has lost both parents so young, it is also rewarding because of the hope and belief that they place in you.”

Kojo McPherson who is also a volunteer mentor provides assistance to a 12-year-old boy. Though he has listed his role as an effortless one since he was mentored as a young boy as well, McPherson said that more young men should become involved in such ventures as it would aid in reducing crimes among young males.

Meanwhile, the mentees expressed great satisfaction and joy at the kite-flying exercise held for them. “I am very happy that I can come out and spend time and fly kite with my mentor today,” one boy said. “My mentor is like a real big sister to me,” said another.