Little Kids With Big Needs

Big Brothers, Big Sisters recruit at UPEI

By Kelly Mason

Children need mentors and Big Broth- ers, Big Sisters can help.

Big Brothers/ Sisters PEI needs more volunteers than ever before. Children await- ing a Big Brother or Big Sister may wait up to two years for a match.

The non-profit organization has made commendable efforts to recruit volunteers from UPEI faculty, staff and students. Students have been eager volunteers, making the program a success.

Yvonne Cartner, PEI chapter coordinator applauds the on campus success.

“We’ve had some great matches with [UPEI] students for some of these kids,” says Cartner.

Cartner insists that present volunteers are very much appreci- ated but more male volunteers are needed. It has been found that women typically find it easier to come forward and offer to be a volun- teer.

The program has grown over the years.

“In 1975 the program was just Big Brothers. [Seven years later] in 1981 the name of the program was changed to Big Brothers/ Big Sisters,” says Cartner.

Potential volun-

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teer can join in two ways, either through the traditional match pro- gram in which the or- ganization pairs up a volunteer and child for the best possible match or through the in-school mentoring program:

Mentoring gives volunteers with a busy schedule a chance to do their part also.

Matches are relatively short lived.

“TA typical] relationship lasts about 2 and a half to 3 years,” Cartner says. “Some of the reasons why the relationship is so short is that either the volunteer or the child moves, or the child matures and doesn’t need the rela- tionship anymore.”

Yet, more volun- teers are needed.

“Anyone [can volunteer], Cartner says.

UPEI volunteers are encourage to intro- duce their little brother or sister to campus life.

“It’s [a] great exposure for the kids when allowed to visit the library or the computer lab,” says Cartner.

UPEI recruiting began 5 years ago, steadily improving every year. Although Cartner is unsure of the number of UPEI volunteers, there is always a need for more.

Potential volun- teer should not be dis- couraged by the assump- tion that large amounts of time or money are needed to become a Big Brother or Sister. The program wishes that the relationships not to be based on buying the child’s affec- tion. An attentive ear, an hour a week, is often enough.

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UPEI Students critique Sneech from the Throne

By Sarah Murphy NEWS EDITOR

The 3" Session of the 60" General Assembly opened on November 16" with a rather disappointing Speech from the Throne for PEI students.

“T have to say I was quite disappointed with the Speech from the Throne,” says Patrick Young, Senate Repre- sentative and 4" year

how the Tory Govern- ment plans to better the community,” Young says.

Binns, who during his campaign made a point to include UPEI, promised to work towards improving higher education in the province and lower its [higher education] financial toil on stu- dents, has obviously disappointed students.

In his speech, Binns says his Govern-

“Unfortunately, we really don't see anything sub- stantial.”

Political Science Stu- dent. “Traditionally, the intent is for the govern- ment to lay out their proposed legislative plan or direction for the coming session. Unfor- tunately, we really don’t see anything substan- tial.”

Young found Premier Pat Binn’s address to be very philo- sophical and ambiguous, especially concerning post-secondary students and young people in PEI.

“Vagueness was consistent throughout the speech, and really does not give us any solid indication,as to

ment “will develop a tuition credit program. It will offer Island students entering Island post- secondary institutions, a tuition credit based on their hours of volunteer work.”

Binns believes this initiative will en- courage voluntarism, and support volunteer organizations, all while assisting students in achieving their educa- tional goals and provid- ing valuable experience.

“T think the volunteer tuition credit is a positive step in the

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