Our Program
How does WBYM work?
We have developed a program that is simple, flexible and easily incorporated into a variety of settings across the country. We work with schools across the Wheatbelt region and beyond to deliver a completely school-based program for rural youth. This allows for the added support of teachers, and ensures WBYM is inclusive of all students in the class. As a result, we are able to address the marginalisation faced by regional, rural and remote youth, and enhance youth engagement with education.
The Role of a Mentor
A WBYM mentor serves as a confidant for mentees, to support them through the often difficult transition from adolescence to adulthood. The geographical and social isolation of rural areas can play a significant role in young people’s educational experiences and perception of their capabilities. We facilitate the space for these young people to share recent happenings, challenges, triumphs and aspirations with their mentors, who can provide nurture and guidance on how to navigate these experiences.
Mentor Selection and Screening
Adult mentors are sourced externally to the local community, allowing for an array of skillsets and life experiences. It is this diversity that we believe gives way to expansive mentorship, capable of broadening students’ perceptions and aspirations. Mentors are carefully screened and thoughtfully matched to a mentee with similar hobbies or interests. We see this as a pivotal step in fostering a deep and meaningful connection.
Mentor Training and Support
Successful mentor applicants complete our online training, covering mental health signs and symptoms, confidentiality, conversational skills, and how to best connect with their mentee. WBYM provides 24/7 support to mentors and all mentors have a 1-on-1 end of year check in to share their wins, challenges and quieries. Thanks to the generosity of our various Supporters, we are able to offer broadening courses to mentors at different times. Some of our mentors have attended Mental Health First Aid courses free of charge, as well as received vouchers for a number of career and personal development workshops.
Flexible Online Communication
Students are given the opportunity to email their mentor during class time, once a week. The program is completely email-based, making it flexible and time effective for mentors to fit in around busy schedules. Given parent permission, students can also contact their mentor by phone, virtual meeting platforms, or catch up face to face. We organise a number of events during the year where students and mentors can come together, including school sport carnivals, the Dowerin Machinery Field Days and our annual WBYM Camp.
The Broader Benefit
Beyond providing support and guidance to students, our program is also of benefit to mentors, parents and the broader community! Feedback from many of our mentors has highlighted the positive impact of connecting with regional Australia and learning about country life. For some of our mentors, the program has sparked a desire to live and work in the country.
For parents of the program, WBYM provides an additional role model and watchful eye to help navigate their child’s growth and learning. We also believe the program is of strong benefit to the local communities, as a whole. Through our aim of broadening the aspirations and opportunities of our students, our hope is that the skills and experiences obtained through the program, and the pursuit of further education, will benefit the social and economic development of local communities.
