Local Students Building Confidence Through School-Based Teen Mentoring Programme

A powerful mentoring initiative connecting students from Tawa College and Tawa Intermediate School is continuing to grow, helping young people build confidence, friendships, and a stronger sense of belonging.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Wellington is now in its third year running the School-Based Teen Mentoring Programme, which pairs Year 12 students from Tawa College with Year 8 students at Tawa Intermediate.

The programme is designed as a two-year journey, where mentors continue into their Year 13, supporting their mentees as they transition into their first year at college. This continuity provides a consistent, trusted relationship during what can often be a challenging period for young people.

Tawa Intermediate carefully selects students who will benefit from having a mentor and are also likely to attend Tawa College, helping to ensure that the mentoring relationship can continue across both years.

Once a week, mentors walk across to Tawa Intermediate to spend an hour with their mentees — talking, playing games, and simply hanging out. These regular, consistent interactions help build trust, confidence, and connection over time.

The programme was developed in direct response to feedback from both schools, who identified the transition to college as a key point where many students experience uncertainty or a loss of confidence.

Big Brothers Big Sisters Wellington Programme Manager, Ashleigh Stallard, says the programme plays an important role in supporting young people through this stage.

“This programme was designed alongside the schools to support students through that transition into college — a time when many young people can experience wobbles. Having a consistent mentor alongside them during this period makes a real difference.”

“Seeing these friendships develop is incredibly special. The younger students gain a trusted role model they can talk to each week, while the college students develop leadership and empathy. It’s a simple idea, but the impact can be life-changing.”

The programme is coordinated by Vanessa Martin, who recently joined Big Brothers Big Sisters Wellington as the dedicated School-Based Teen Mentoring Coordinator.

Vanessa says the support from both schools has been instrumental in the programme’s success.

“Both Tawa Intermediate and Tawa College have been incredibly supportive of this programme. Teachers have told us they are already seeing increased confidence in some of the students taking part. Having someone older who takes time out of their week just to listen and spend time with them can make a huge difference.”

As the programme continues to grow, Big Brothers Big Sisters Wellington hopes to expand opportunities for more young people to benefit from mentoring.

“This programme continues to go from strength to strength,” says Stallard. “The support from the schools, students, and community has been amazing, and we’re excited to see the positive impact it continues to have.”

Community support plays a vital role in sustaining mentoring matches.

Local businesses or organisations interested in supporting a mentoring match or fundraiser are encouraged to get in touch.

To learn more or support a match: Wellington@bbbs.nz

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