Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) has developed an innovative mentoring program that engages young refugees from Burma, from the Karen, Kachin and Chin communities.

Events in Burma, beamed all around the world, highlight the struggle many people face before arriving in Australia. Violence, displacement, a lack of basic needs and an extreme lack of opportunity characterize the refugee experience.

Unfortunately, it is often the case that on arrival young people are most often faced with a whole new set of challenges. Some of these include social isolation, learning to read, write and speak a new language, and not knowing what opportunities are now available to them.

It is of utmost importance that newly arrived refugees are able to make meaningful connections with the wider Australian community. This program will not only aim to provide support for young refugees but will offer a unique opportunity for volunteers eager to learn about different cultures and be a part of a global village.

All the young people involved in the program are often aged 10-25 years old and are considered newly arrived refugees. The benefits of allowing a young person the opportunity to build a friendship with a volunteer mentor are immeasurable.

The initial three year funding period will end in June, 2010. Funding proposals have been submitted so that the program can continue beyond this deadline.Stay tuned for more information on this website regarding its continuance.