MENTORING (a new program that we are beginning)
It's tough on children growing up in America these days. It is especially difficult and even devastating for children who are abandoned by their father. Statistics bear this out. It is a fact that 63 percent of youth suicides come from fatherless homes. 71 percent of pregnant teens, and 75 percent of teens in drug treatment centers come from a fatherless home.
Mentored children on the other hand are 46 percent less likely to use drugs or alcohol; 33 percent are less likely to get involved in violence, and 59 percent get better grades.
Without direction and purpose teenagers can find themselves following unhealthy role models. Far too often teenagers, who lack direction can become involved in crime, drugs, alcohol, and pre-marital sexual relations. This destructive behavior pattern can ruin a teens life early on.
Mentored children on the other hand are 46 percent less likely to use drugs or alcohol; 33 percent are less likely to get involved in violence, and 59 percent get better grades.
Without direction and purpose teenagers can find themselves following unhealthy role models. Far too often teenagers, who lack direction can become involved in crime, drugs, alcohol, and pre-marital sexual relations. This destructive behavior pattern can ruin a teens life early on.
On a positive note, when the father is absent, male mentoring is a viable substitute. Mentoring works. It has changed the lives of many children.
One thing a mentor can do, is impart leadership qualities into the life of a child. Mentoring can be described as "the art of creating leaders." Instilling leadership qualities is often the result of positive mentoring. I don't know who wrote the following quote, but it is a great statement on leadership: "The challenge of leadership is to be strong, but not rude; be kind, but not weak; be bold, but not a bully; be thoughtful, but not lazy; be humble, but not timid; be proud, but not arrogant; have humor, but without folly." Wouldn't society be better if all youngsters had these qualities?
Do you know of someone who needs a mentor? Tell parents about this program. Men, please volunteer to be a mentor.
ON MENTORING:
"Do not wait for leaders; do it alone, person to person."
Mother Teresa
