One by one, the “Littles” poked their heads out the door of the multi-purpose room at Kapa‘a Elementary School in an attempt to check out the “Bigs.” The Littles giggled nervously as they scurried back to their desks to await
One by one, the “Littles” poked their heads out the door of the multi-purpose room at Kapa‘a Elementary School in an attempt to check out the “Bigs.” The Littles giggled nervously as they scurried back to their desks to await the formal introduction to their Bigs.
For the initial introduction, Michelle Shofner, program coordinator for Big Brothers/Big Sisters Kaua‘i, had the Bigs — Kapa‘a High School students — call out the names of their Littles — Kapa‘a Elementary students.
As yesterday marked the launch of the Big Brothers/Big Sisters Kaua‘i program, 10 Bigs and 13 Littles got to know each other over talk of sports and general likes and dislikes.
Shofner started the process by interviewing each student, Big and Little, as a way to match them up. Shofner said she matched two shy girls together as a way for them to overcome their shyness.
“The uniqueness is that the program is one-on-one,” Shofner said. “The Littles have the full attention of the Bigs and it brings out skills the Bigs never knew they had.”
Before the kids could leave for the day, they had to invent a secret handshake and share something they learned about each other.
“The kids had a blast,” Shofner said after the kids went home. “I sent the Littles home and had a debriefing with the Bigs. They absolutely love their Littles.”
The Bigs and Littles will meet one-on-one once a week for the rest of the school year. Because the Littles are finished with school before the Bigs, they will get a headstart on homework while they wait.
Once the Bigs arrive, they will help the Littles with their homework. For the rest of their time together, the kids will learn how to play the ‘ukulele.
According to Shofner, Mayor Bryan Baptiste wanted to bring the program to Kaua‘i. Partnering with the Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Honolulu, a mentoring branch was established on Kaua‘i last year.
“This is excellent and a long time coming,” said Theresa Koki, anti-drug coordinator with the mayor’s office. “Today is a special day for many children.”
Koki managed the grant for the program from the Office of Youth Services on O‘ahu.
“We couldn’t do it by ourselves,” Koki said. “It’s all one common goal for the kids.”
Along with grants, Big Brothers/Big Sisters is funded by donations, fundraising and the Aloha United Way. Over 700 children on the islands of O‘ahu and Kaua‘i are involved in the program.
Big Brothers/Big Sisters is a program centered on helping children become responsible adults. Children are matched one-on-one with volunteer mentors who share their friendship and guidance.
Shofner said she is hoping to start a second program soon.
“Most of the Bigs said they would be interested,” Shofner said. “I am so blessed to have these high school kids.”
For more information about the Big Brother/Big Sisters program on Kaua‘i, call 631-9495 or go to www.bigshonolulu.org.
