How Do I Become a Mentor?
- Pillars Ka Pou Whakahou
- Jul 5, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 8
Your Path to Mentorship with Pillars Ka Pou Whakahou
"I was looking for a way to help people, but I wanted to do something that involved active helping – not just donating money or goods. The programme has opened up my view of the world. I have grown a lot since I met Michael (his mentee). The whole point of Pillars Ka Pou Whakahou is giving kids a chance."
- Cameron, a current mentor.
What it Means to Be a Mentor?
Mentoring is a powerful way to impact the lives of children whose parents are incarcerated. In Aotearoa, there are an estimated 17,000 tamariki with a parent in prison. Children of incarcerated parents are 9.5 times more likely to go to prison themselves. Our mentoring programme aims to break this intergenerational cycle and help tamariki create positive futures.
Here’s what being a mentor involves:
Being a Trustworthy Supporter: You become the askable, trusted supporter that tamariki have been missing.
Setting Goals: Help create a positive vision for the future.
Building Confidence: Foster self-worth in children.
There are 5,000 children in South Auckland alone with a parent in prison, many of whom are waiting to be matched with mentors.
What’s Required to Be a Mentor?
Our mentors commit to seeing their mentees once a fortnight for a minimum of a year, dedicating 2-6 hours every two weeks. You'll engage in various activities with your mentee, such as playing sports, visiting parks, drawing, painting, cooking, or simply going for some kai.
One mentee, a young 7-year-old girl, just wants to play and kick a soccer ball around with her mentor. It's not about extravagant outings or plans; it's just about being there.
And you won’t be alone on he ara hou (a new path). Becoming a mentor is a new journey, inspiring new opportunities for you and your mentee. But our amazing mentor coordinators walk alongside you every step of the way. Our mentor coordinators host multiple events throughout the year for you and your mentee to attend together. From high ropes courses to sailing adventures, these events provide opportunities for connection and growth.
The latest event in Ōtautahi was a High Ropes event hosted by the Adventure Specialists. Together, mentors and mentees tackled the ropes and the 'flying kiwi,' building teamwork and stepping out of their comfort zones.
“Thanks for organising a fantastic day. It was such an opportunity for us to do something with our mentee that we couldn’t have achieved on our own.”
– Mentor
How do I get matched with a mentee?
What is the first meeting and matching process like? It’s a thoughtful and thorough process.
“Sarah and I often refer to it as an art rather than a science, there are a lot of factors that contribute to the match.”
– Maria, Auckland Mentor Coordinator
Based on interviews with the whānau and the prospective mentor, our expert mentor coordinators match you with a mentee based on common interests, suitable age ranges, specific needs within the family, and location.
Once you've attended an information evening, completed the checks, and gone through the interview process, we send you a bio of the tamariki or rangatahi. If you agree, we inform their whānau about you. A match meeting with the mentor coordinator is set up at the family’s home, where kai is shared, and whanaungatanga (relationship-building) happens.
It’s a relaxed and open discussion with laughs and shared stories, planning for the first meeting and fun future visits!
How Do I Become a Mentor?
Learn more: Learn more about our mentoring programme with the path that works best for you. If you're ready to get started right away, you can watch a short online information video and fill out your expression of interest form. Or if you'd prefer to book an in-person mentor information session. These sessions, held once a month, are the perfect opportunity to learn about our mission, our mahi, and meet our amazing mentoring coordinators, who will walk alongside you every step of the way. All you have to do is fill out your information, and we will send you the next steps!
Interview Process: After learning about our mentoring programme and submitting your expression of interest, our team will be in touch with you to answer any questions and book an interview. This is an hour-long interview at your home to get to know you better.
Reference and Police Checks: We will talk to your references and complete a police check to ensure the safety and well-being of the tamariki at Pillars.
Induction Training: You will then attend an orientation training session where you will learn about the keys to mentoring, essential training to empower you as a mentor and get to know your mentor coordinator better. Topics include safety, confidentiality, and scenario training.
The First Meeting: We will accompany you to meet your mentee and their whānau, ensuring a supportive and positive start to your mentoring relationship.
Ready to Make a Difference?
Becoming a mentor with Pillars Ka Pou Whakahou is a life-changing experience for both you and the child you support.
Start your ara hou (new path) towards making a profound impact on the lives of tamariki and their whānau. All you have to do is fill out your first name and email, and we will send you your next steps!
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