Mentors Matter

For NSW only but might be of interest for students in Queanbeyan, Goulburn etc

 

 

Mentors Matter” Seeking Students in 2013

“Mentors Matter” is a program with adults with physical disability mentoring high school students with physical disability.

• Four gatherings of mentors and students over a period of two months in March - April 2013
• The Physical Disability Council of NSW (PDCN) may be able to assist with some student travel costs
• Venue to be determined (dependent on areas students are located)

Why Mentors Matter ?
ABS statistics on the education of those with a physical disability, show 30% of participants had completed year 12 and only 13% had completed a bachelor degree or higher. This is compared to 49% and 20% for people without a disability. For some high school students with physical disability it can be difficult to: recognise their own attributes and skills; see academic opportunities, and future employment opportunities; identify people who can be role models

Mentoring
Mentoring is a one-to-one relationship based on encouragement, constructive comments, openness, mutual trust, respect, and a willingness to learn and share. Mentoring elements include:

• Supporting the student with individual goal setting
• Assisting the student to appreciate the connection between tertiary education and employment
• Explaining to the student the opportunities that the mentor perused in achieving their goals
• Transferring knowledge in such areas as critical thinking, responsibility, flexibility, gaining support and resilience

Who are the Mentors?
Professional people who happen to have physical disability:

• Each Mentor has completed high school, tertiary education, and is employed.
• Each Mentor is known to this organisation
• Each Mentor will have appropriate checks completed
• Each Mentor will have completed a training session regarding the role of a Mentor

Who is PDCN?
The Physical Disability Council of NSW (PDCN) is the peak body representing people with physical disabilities across New South Wales. The objectives of PDCN are :

• To educate, inform and assist people with physical disabilities in NSW about the range of services, structure and programs available
• To develop the capacity of people with physical disability in NSW to advocate for themselves (identify their own goals, and the confidence to develop a pathway to achieving their goals).
• To educate and inform stakeholders (ie about the needs of people with a physical disability)

Gathering Dates in 2013
9 March
23 March
6 April
20 April

Further Information
If you would like further information contact Ruth Robinson via email ruth.robinson@pdcnsw.org.au or Lachlan Hazelton via email lachlan.hazelton@pdcnsw.org.au
To reserve a place for a high school student phone (02) 9552 1606
http://www.pdcnsw.org.au

This initiative is possible with the assistance of a grant from the St George Foundation.