Here at BBBS Auckland one of our matches is proving strong, just past their 4th year together. This mentoring success story is the match between Roman, ‘little’, and Guy, ‘big’.

Ten year old Roman is a social, funny young boy with an immense amount of energy. He had been diagnosed with ADHD early on and although this comes with its behavioral challenges, it has also contributed to a sprightly young boy full of hopes and dreams. Like most young boys, Roman loves to watch movies, watch Youtube, play with Lego, play soccer, and he likes helping his mum pick up the feijoas in the garden.

When Roman was six, his mother reached out to BBBS to see if he could be matched with someone reliable and consistent to mentor him. Roman needed a positive male role-model in his life to guide him, and teach him about empathy, communication, and respect, which would help shape his understanding of healthy masculinity.

Fortunately, because male mentors are harder to recruit and align with rangatahi, then recently added to the mentor waitlist was mentor Guy. Media professional Guy spent his early years in Puhoi and moved to Auckland when he was 6 years old. Guy told us he wanted to become involved in BBBS because he felt he could make a positive impact on a young boy’s life. He knew he could be the calm in the storm. Guy and Roman were then matched, and have since formed a friendship that has stood the test of time

During their mentor meets, Roman and Guy have loved exploring neighbourhood cafes and hanging out. Guy has been great at channeling Roman’s energy into match activities, being a listening ear, and being a calm stable caring adult for him. Guy has enabled many of Roman’s dreams such as going to the Sky Tower and continues to inspire Roman with new activities.

We’ve seen a big change in Roman since they’ve been matched – he has really settled down, and his teacher has noticed an improved change in his focus too. This is one of many successful matches we are inspired by, that has created meaningful change and a new outlook in a child’s life. Thank you for inspiring us Roman and Guy with your friendship and your commitment to BBBS Auckland mentoring.

 

If you think you can be the calm in a storm for a young person, become a mentor today, and make a difference in a child’s life.