In late April, I had the opportunity to visit and interview some mentors at the Clearfield elementary school for the Peer Mentoring Program. I interviewed Noah H., Sam A., Lydia T., Tracy Z., and Ivy S. about this program and here were some of their answers.
When asked if they liked being in this program, most said yes and that they liked the program. One said, “It was fun all the way through”, although there were some ups and downs. Many of them had said they would do this again next year if they were not graduating. Noah, one of the volunteers, has been in the program for two years already, and Ivy plans to continue the program next year!
I had asked if they thought this program was beneficial for the younger kids and to the high school kids, and everyone agreed that it was mutually beneficial for both. Lydia said that the program helps the high school students bond and understand the smaller kids and build bonds with the kids that they may not have known otherwise. Between all the mentors I asked, “Do you believe that what you are doing makes a difference in the community?”, Noah said that he couldn’t see it, but he does believe he is helping the kids, and believe it is helping the kids build friendships. Sam said yes, Lydia answered “Not so much the community, but we could make a difference and help with the kids’ lives. Tracy, answered with “Yes, I do. We are helping the future of Clearfield, and the next generation.” Ivy, gave a similar answer that she does believe that what this program does benefits the whole community.
The schedule is every Monday from 3:30 to 4:45, and when they arrive to the elementary, they go over what they are doing that day. Then comes the activities for the day which can include reading or homework, snack time, lessons for talking and communication, and sometimes time outside or an indoor activity. A few things the mentors said that they help the kids with are lots of homework, activities they do, and listening and talking if there is anything that they wish to talk about. They also help with social skills and their confidence!
I also interviewed Mary Beth Geppert, as she was the one to bring this program to Clearfield. She is from the Childrens Aid Society along with the program. She has been doing this program for two years and really believes it makes a difference in kids’ and teenagers’ lives! She hopes that many high school students join for next year and know that even if there are sports or activities after school, they are still welcome! The kids that I talked to mentioned that they love this program and would or will be doing this program next year if they have the opportunity. All the mentors I had talked to said they would recommend this to others.
A special note from one of the volunteers, Tracy, is that she really hopes that other people will join, because it helps the kids a lot, has really changed her life, and helped with her community service hours for Key Club. If you are interested in learning more about this program, you can contact Mary Beth Geppert at her email marybethg@childaid.org.
