Graduation day smiles for boys’ project mentors

A PIONEERING mentoring project which helps teenage boys locally has been praised.

Lockerbie Academy recently held a graduation lunch in the Somerton Hotel for the B2M (Boys to Men) Mentoring Programme.

Members of Lockerbie and District Rotary Club, who support the scheme, were in attendance and have congratulated the boys involved in planning the successful event.

Wellbeing teacher Lesley Aird leads the programme in the school, assisted by science teacher Craig Marscheider. It supports skills not recognised by traditional academic routes and creates opportunities for young men to learn from positive male role models. It also encourages them to develop their emotional language and how to express their feelings.

Furthermore, the programme supports boys in developing leadership and mentoring skills. Discussion takes place around difficult topics and boys know people are there for them.

Bespoke mentoring programmes are put in place each year to suit the boys involved, with role models, known as “Good Guys”, meeting regularly with pupils.

Lesley explained that there have been many positive results, with boys showing improved attendance, remaining in school longer and gaining more qualifications; all participants, so far, have gone on to a positive destination after leaving school; and there’s been a reduction in referrals and exclusions

Speaking at the graduation, James Hunter told of the effect B2M had and what it has meant to him. He has been part of it since P7 and was really surprised to be chosen as he thought only more confident pupils would be selected. He is now a confident mentor and says B2M opened his eyes to a lot more possibilities. He felt all schools should have such a group and this kind of support.

Depute head Kerry Currie presented certificates to all B2M mentors who were graduating. Winner of the “Mentor of the Year Shield”, voted for by P7 pupils, was Aulay Robinson, who gave the day’s vote of thanks - above.

A Rotary spokesman said: “The boys clearly enjoy being part of B2M in school and talk confidently about what they gain from the programme. It’s clearly a success.”