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- 4 SSHG NO HOVAHKGS 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. eA SOME omit oe Peel ay 1 ree aha eee mu 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 continued on page 6 ' sft riguorlA