PSG establishes mentoring
program
By Dave Stephens
Assistant
Campus Editor
Members of Purdue Student Government spent part
of their weekend helping those in the community.
"Mentoring in the Village," a program that provides
tutoring, mentoring and childcare to children living in Purdue Village,
is part of PSG's community outreach program.
"It's one thing to go out into the Lafayette community,
but we have our own community right here that needs help too," said
Brenda Shea, chief of staff for PSG.
The program is open to children who live in the
Purdue Village and is designed to give the children's parents, most
of whom are Purdue students, an opportunity to relax.
"A lot of the parents are so busy during the week
with classes, when Saturday comes they need a break from everything,"
said Shea. "We provide that by watching their kids and allowing them
to run errands or study."
To keep the kids busy, volunteers plan to intermix
lessons, crafts and games.
"We had a discussion about Mardi Gras and then
we decorated masks with glitter and things," said De Anna Shonk, the
PSG representative for the Association of Big Ten students.
Patrick Mondi, vice president of the student body,
said he most enjoyed the arts and crafts time.
"I made a Chicago Bears-theme mask," said Mondi.
"It was just a good time talking to the kids and spending some quality
time with them."
Mondi also said he was surprised by the number
of children present, especially because the program began on Saturday.
"I really wasn't sure what the response would be,"
said Mondi, "but we started with 12 to 15 kids and five volunteers,
which was a really good turnout. We really expect the program to grow
in the future."
According to Shea, the program is open for more
volunteers who would like to participate. Anyone interested in volunteering
should contact the PSG office at 494-7201.
"It's important for all of us to become involved
in the community," said Mondi. "I think a lot of students at Purdue
are interested in becoming more involved."
But no matter the amount of involvement, it is
often the volunteer who feels the best about the experience.
"Just seeing the smiles on the kids' faces is the
best part," said Shonk, "The few hours you spend with them means so
much."
|
