We have just been to a really heartwarming occasion at Hackney Town Hall. Held in the Council Chamber, this was an award giving ceremony for twelve kids, aged somewhere been 8 and 12, all of whom either came from troubled families, or had problems at school, or lacked self esteem and all of whom had had regular input on a weekly basis, from a volunteer mentor.The mentors ranged from media executives, scientists, property consultants, administrators and more, different colours of skin just like the children and each one of them had volunteered and then been trained intensively. Their brief to spend three hours of one to one time with their charges once a week for a year.
Three hours away from their regular lives. Three hours to let seeds of self confidence or maybe new values, a new sense of morality, be sown and nurtured. By taking them swimming, to the zoo, to a museum, trampolining, playing football or whatever.
Children and mentors were awarded certificates to great rounds of applause from family and friends who attended. And it was quite apparent that whatever had caused these kids to be selected for mentoring, they had benefited immeasurably. They were now doing well and were well on the way to becoming worthwhile adults in their own and other people's eyes. Then lots of official photos, plates of sandwiches and fruit and a huge iced cake. And glowing, self confident children smiling and looking proud.
Really heartwarming.
Really heartwarming.
And the other totally good event was the news that our favourite outlaw is going to become an in-law.
