12-year-old Safia joined the Big Brothers Big Sisters Auckland programme in 2019, and has been matched with Big Sister Jodi ever since! Safia came into the programme because her mum was hoping an older friend would help her to build some confidence and become part of their Kiwi family as most of the extended whānau live overseas.
Big Sister Jodi has certainly lived up to expectations! She became a mentor because she loves spending time with kids and wanted to give back to her community. Jodi is compassionate and generous soul, who always lends an empathetic ear. From the beginning, her nurturing nature made her a natural mentor. With Jodi’s support we have seen Safia really come out of her shell – far from the shy 8-year-old she was when she came into the programme. We have witnessed their match go from strength to strength. With great trust and match compatibility, Safia expresses herself freely, and these two never run out of things to talk about!
While Safia was matched with Jodi, her younger sister Amna had her own successful match. However, when Amna’s mentor ended up having to move away, she’d be the first of the sisters to graduate the program and be without a mentor. Kindly, Jodi and Safia decided they couldn’t let this be the case and as a result, Amna turned this power match duo into a match trio.
The trio’s adventures know no bounds. Their favorite activity is finding a great cat cafe (you would be surprised how many there are!), where they spend hours in the cozy company of furry friends, laughing and enjoying each other’s company. They have celebrated birthdays, cherished quiet moments over cups of deliciousness, and have been there for each other through the highs and lows. We can’t wait to see what this amazing trio gets up to next!
BBBS Auckland thanks Jodi for supporting both these girls as they grow up to become confident young women. She is an amazing guiding figure in their lives and always gives these girls her best.
