AARP, Big Brothers Big Sisters join in mentor program for kids

By Zenaida Serrano Espanol
Advertiser Staff Writer

The partnership between a membership organization for people age 50 and older and a youth-mentoring agency may equal a perfect match and benefits for everyone involved.

AARP Hawai'i and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Honolulu announced last month that Honolulu will be one of five cities nationwide to launch a pilot program, called the AARP — Big Brothers Big Sisters Partnership, pairing AARP volunteers as big brothers and sisters to students at targeted schools.

"Our goal is to provide a new community service opportunity to our members where their value can be translated to the next generation," said Jackie McCarter, AARP associate state director. "And Big Brothers Big Sisters' goal is to help children improve their self-esteem, improve their ability to relate to their peers and their teachers, stay in school and that sort of thing."

Third-graders at Royal and Pauoa elementary schools will meet with AARP volunteers 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Wednesdays, respectively, in a supervised setting. The program begins Feb. 12 at Royal and Feb. 19 at Pauoa, and will continue through the remainder of the school year.

The pairs will do homework together, read or play educational games, McCarter said.

"If ... (the program) works, if it's successful, then we'll be expanding the number of schools next year and maybe even moving over to Maui," she said.

The program seeks 40 volunteers age 50 and older. For details, visit www.bigshonolulu.org or call 521-3811, ext. 224.