After many months of work, Dimboola Primary School is set to unveil their building revamp at a free community morning tea celebrating and promoting the impact of youth mentoring within the primary setting.

MATES Mentoring has been operating at the school since 2017, after being piloted at Dimboola Memorial Secondary College nearly a decade ago.

The new refurbishment will provide mentors and mentees a space to undertake activities together and subsequently improve the impact of mentoring. Wimmera Southern Mallee LLEN support the MATES Mentoring initiative throughout the region and will be assisting with a resource kit containing board games and activities.

Dimboola Primary School Principal Greg Sampson said that they currently have two mentors who regularly attend at the school, and they would love to have more.

“Currently we have 2 mentors who regularly attend the school to see their Mates. We would like to see more community members volunteer to youth mentor in our school. Mentors visit fortnightly for an hour and a half and simply spend time with a child who needs additional support and attention.

“Youth mentoring has over the years demonstrated a significant positive impact on class behaviour, peer connection, self-esteem, teachability, and the general wellbeing of the children. MATES is a meaningful program for our community.”

The free community morning tea is to be held on Thursday 25th July at 10am at the school. Community members interested in attending are encouraged to RSVP to the school on 5389 1270 for catering purposes.

“We’d encourage anyone with a working with children check and a genuine care for young people to attend. There is a significant number of children who would benefit from additional adult role models in their lives. The morning tea will also recognise the contribution of our current and past mentors.”

Since establishment, MATES Mentoring has matched over 550 children and young people with mentors across the Wimmera Southern Mallee region. Further information is available online www.llen.com.au/mates.