KWINANA youth mentor Liz Ottaviano says she became a mentor to give something back to the community and use what she has learned to help young people.
Liz works in people development at CSBP in Kwinana and started to use her work skills to help young people in Kwinana as part of the council’s life-changing Youth Mentoring program.
The program had run for six months and matches young people aged between 10 and 18 with mentors who take time to help them develop life and professional skills.
Liz has worked as a mentor since October last year and said it was her way of giving back to the community.
“For me, it’s been all about working for the community and giving back,” she said. “Working in the Kwinana community is about the extended community and helping.”
Liz said investing in local youth was very important for the young people and the community’s future.
“They might be able to benefit from my learning and experience in some way,” she said. “We catch up, and do what’s valued and important to the youth, give them a comfortable open space, a different perspective than they might get at home – I can be a sounding board for them.”
Liz said sometimes she would just watch a movie, cook or play in the backyard with the young person.
The program currently has seven mentors and is looking for more.
Kwinana Mayor Carol Adams said the program was so important when the right people were involved and encouraged anyone to consider becoming a mentor to call Kwinana Youth Services.
“It’s the perfect way to give back to the community and help your own personal development,” she said. Call 9439 0500.