Boost-a-Buddy
What is the Iphutheng ‘Boost-a Buddy’ Programme?
Vision & Objectives
The Iphutheng Mentorship Programme was conceptualized in 2018, as an organic extension of the learning support initiatives that various community groups were already providing at Iphutheng. It lined up with Iphutheng and its partners’ commitment to hands-on justice.
The programme aims to help grow learners from both schools.
For Iphutheng learners
- Preparing learners for the transition to senior school by partnering them with a slightly older, more experienced buddy.
- Creating positive motivational experiences for learners to imagine the possibilities for their future.
- Increasing learners’ interest in and appreciation of the world and others’ lives.
- Relationship building across cultures and socio-economic levels
For Saint Stithians Girls College students
- Providing an opportunity to befriend and grow together with a learner whose experience is very different to their own.
- Mentoring a younger girl and helping to prepare her for life at senior school
- Developing an appreciation for diversity
- Expanding their worldview to appreciate the need for social justice and nation building in South Africa.
How
Saints girls are paired up with two Grade 7 girls from Iphutheng Primary School. These girls spend about 2-3 hours, approximately 5 times during the year with one another. Saint Stithians arranges different activities, either on a school day between 14:15 and 17:00 or on a Saturday.
Where
The girls will meet either at Iphutheng Primary, Saints girls being transported there by bus or they will meet at Saints, the Iphutheng girls being transported there by bus. If another venue is selected for an activity, Saints will provide transportation for the Iphutheng learners from Iphutheng Primary and back to school after the event.
Duration of the programme
Saints girls commit to the programme for the duration of the school year