Peer Mentorship Programme

The Community Based Mentorship Project for Child Headed Households is a pilot project funded by the Umsobomvu Youth Fund.  Lifeline Ekurhuleni is one of the 11 Lifeline Centres that participated in the project in 2009.

The project focuses on providing peer mentorship and community parent support and guidance to children who have lost their parents to AIDS.  In Ekurhuleni the project was piloted in 7 sites:  Barcelona, Daveyton Main, Daveyton 2, Duduza, Tsakane, Vosloorus 1 and Vosloorus 2.  The selection criterion was based on willingness and compassion for children in vulnerable circumstances. Mentors must have some of the following characteristics:

• Love for children and the passion to help other people
• Have a clean criminal record and good moral values
• Willingness to provide emotional and social support

On completion of their training the youth were matched to a specific child after due processes of ensuring suitability of the match. The role of the mentor was:

• See the child on a weekly basis, at least once in a week
• Identify the needs of the child
• Keep record of the needs and report these to a Lifeline Supervisor
• Work with a supervisor to find solutions to the problems
• Help with homework where possible and make sure that a child is attending school

On Thursday 3 December, Lifeline Ekurhuleni hosted a graduation ceremony to celebrate the achievements of these mentors over the past year.  131 peer mentors were presented with certificates at the Benoni Town Hall.  The day was enjoyed by all, as the programme included poems written by some mentors and a drama presentation by one of the mentor groups that was very inspirational.  Lifeline is proud and excited to have these mentors as part of the Lifeline Ekurhuleni family, and their exceptional contribution is greatly appreciated.