ABOUT US

A NOTE FROM JAY
Hey everybody, I really love Mālama Mentors and I love what you are doing for the little kids. Every year, high school mentors come up at the end of the year and say, "I think I got more out of mentoring than my kid." I believe you. You understand the relationship much better than your girl or boy. Someday in the future they will appreciate your connection with them on a much higher level. And don't forget to put your mentoring/volunteering experience on your college application. People admire teenagers who have learned how to give!

-Jay Jarman, Founder

OUR VALUES

COMPASSION
A connection and understanding of elementary school children on an emotional level.

ATTENTION
An undivided focus on the child.

ENCOURAGEMENT
Positive reinforcement to instill courage and confidence in the child.

KINDNESS
The act of giving towards the child without expecting anything in return.

HOW WE STARTED

In 2015, our parent organization, Common Grace, collaborated with a few high schools to send out the best of their juniors and seniors to mentor elementary school students. Not only were the elementary school kids able to receive a friend and a mentor, but the high school kids were able to learn a lot: compassion, the importance of consistency and responsibility, and integrity. Mālama Mentors helped the big kids as much as the little kids!

WHY MENTOR?

On Oʻahu alone, there were 69 Title 1 elementary schools in the 2016 - 2017 school year. Title 1 public schools are given federal financial assistance because 40% or more children are from low-income families. Many of the students we work with come from unsupportive or discouraging households. Some parents simply don't have the time to give their children any attention. A child that seeks attention needs attention.

Mālama Mentors spend an hour each week with a child they are specially matched with--10 minutes listening, 20 minutes reading and doing homework, and 30 minutes playing. Through our program, these children can get special one-on-one attention with a mentor who genuinely cares for their health and well-being. These children crave and need healthy attention. We meet this need.

THE PROGRAM

Mālama Mentors partners exceptional juniors and seniors in local high schools with disadvantaged kids in a nearby elementary school. High school mentors who are chosen for Mālama Mentors demonstrate excellence academically, socially and in the community. Students are interviewed and handpicked by teachers and counselors. Once trained, these high school students are carefully matched with a child in an elementary school and spend an hour a week with them giving their undivided attention.

First Semester

High school students apply for the program.
Students are interviewed.
The most qualified candidates are chosen by the counselor.
High school students are trained for one hour a week on how to relate to the elementary school kids they will be paired with in second semester.
As a group, high school mentors are introduced to the elementary students.

Second SEMESTER

High school mentors are specially matched with an elementary student who needs extra love and attention.
One-on-one mentoring begins - an hour each week.
High school mentors attend a spring bonding event with their mentees.
Mentors and mentees attend an end-of-program party and a debriefing of Mālama Mentors.
Seniors and fifth or sixth graders attend graduation.
Lifetime friends are made!