"If you are planning for a year, grow rice. If you are planning for twenty years, grow trees. If you are planning for centuries, grow men."

The idea is simple: they match a child with an adult mentor, someone who's both a positive role model and a friend. The emphasis here is on matching, and the needs and interests of the child are key at all times. This means we match the specific strengths, interests and abilities of a volunteer to the identified needs of the child. This goal-orientated, scientific approach to matching distinguishes the Big Brothers Big Sisters programme internationally and is widely applauded. The results can be remarkable.

Known in the programme as a 'Big', a mentor spends a minimum of one hour a week for at least one year with their 'Little', helping them build personal values such as self-esteem, self-respect and respect for others. The relationship may only last a year but the effects always last a lifetime. Studies have shown that youth matched with a Big Brother or Big Sister are: 52% more likely to stay in school, 46% less likely to use drugs and 32% less likely to engage in violence. They also have more self-confidence, self-worth, the ability to trust, and make better decisions and choices.

How do you become a Big?
Naturally potential Bigs are carefully screened and trained to make sure they can sustain a positive and natural relationship with their Little. Experienced social workers and other experts equip new Bigs with a variety of interpersonal skills and knowledge, covering issues such as relationship building, communication and listening skills, self-esteem development, child development, sexuality and HIV/Aids. The initial training is supplemented by regular workshops on other relevant subjects. It's designed to give Bigs the know-how and confidence to deal with the very real social issues their Littles face. But first and foremost, a Big Brothers Big Sisters mentor is a friend. And that's why the system works.

And the Littles?
Littles range between the ages of six and eighteen years and are referred from a variety of sources such as schools, children's homes, clinics or support programmes for youth affected by HIV and AIDS, and community based programmes for youth in conflict (or potential conflict) with the law.

How you can help?
By volunteering just one hour of your time each week for at least a year as a mentor, you could profoundly change the course of child's life.

If you really can't find that hour, you could sponsor or part-sponsor an outing for a Big and a Little every two or three months. We'll give you ongoing feedback on the Little's progress throughout the year and you'll be able to hear from them and find out what a difference you're making. It costs us just R2,500 per match per year to assess a child and identify, recruit, train, match and supervise a mentor for them. Outings typically cost R200. By contributing in this way you can still see the Big difference you're making in a Little's life.

To find out more about becoming a Big Brother or Big Sister, you can phone CPT: 021 551 6996, GP: 011 482 2740, KZN: 031 461 1137 email us at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit www.bbbssa.org.za