TOUC hing LiVESpOsiTivELy

Imagine a program in which young professionals volunteer time and talent in steering teenage students on a progressive path and boosting their self-confidence. imagine children with high potential but limited financial means having an opportunity to attend classes regularly, with proper school accessories. imagine having a basic home built so that a student from a low-income family can develop in a comfortable environment. imagine having a positive role model who is available to listen….and guide…and impart values. For many students in our country, these small gestures represent a real ray of hope. these are some of the “gifts” that Methanex trinidad Limited and our employee volunteers are giving to secondary school students through our ‘Mentoring our children’ program.

Championed by Methanex Trinidad employees who volunteer time and talent to mentor students over a two-year period, the ‘Mentoring Our Children’ Program marked its 3rd program cycle in January 2013.

Student selection, curriculum re-design and think-tank meetings defined the planning process and aimed to bolster students’ holistic development, through an expanded program offering and delivery.

Several key changes included: an emphasis on communication, the incorporation of life-skills training (anger management, conflict resolution and ethics), social skills development and social responsibility. Mentors’ development has also been actively supported to help further understand mentorship best practices and demonstrate leadership attributes.

Since its launch as a pilot program in 2007, ‘Mentoring Our Children’ has directly impacted the lives of 56 students, ages 13 to 15, and was extended from 2 schools – Carapichaima West Secondary and Couva West Secondary – to include 3 additional schools –Waterloo high, Preysal high and Carapichaima East Secondary.

in 2013, 20 students joined the program and benefited from a range of opportunities designed to foster emotional growth and social skills development. These activities included a fine dining etiquette workshop (with follow-on social opportunities to practise), a site tour of the Methanex Trinidad facility, training sessions, professional psycho-educational assessment, craft exercises, a movie at the Digicel iMAx theatre and a classical music concert at the national Academy of Performing Arts.

This program forms an integral component of the company’s social responsibility pillars of Education and Partnership with Employees, and continues to engage high levels of commitment as activities are planned, coordinated and delivered by employee volunteers.

Anthony narine, Senior human Resources Advisor, Program Lead and Mentor, affirmed that “the program capitalizes on the philanthropy of the mentors who steadfastly commit themselves to its on-going success. The mentors have recognized that this is one seemingly small way to change the course of our nation’s future.” he added, “from an organizational perspective, it is a creative and alternative channel to develop our leadership talent throughout…and i am humbled by the example of the mentors and the children who mutually inspire and encourage each other to do better!”

While the thrust of the program seeks to encourage students to develop to their full potential and shape a vision for their future, the students also receive financial aid to cover collegiate costs associated with books and uniforms.

Ultimately, both mentors and mentees recall the benefits of the program and extol the importance of inculcating strong ethical values and responsible choices. Employee volunteer, Meera Tricia Pirmal, Mechanical Engineer and longstanding mentor, reminds us that “we all come from different backgrounds and are influenced by our personal experiences. As mentors/leaders we must be able to recognize, appreciate and work with each other, respecting our differences.”