Few bonds in life are more influential than those between a young person and an adult.  Mentoring Cayman, a joint initiative between the Cayman Islands Chamber of Commerce and the Ministry of Education, began in earnest on 17 January 2007 when 55 students spent the day with their mentors with the promise of initiating a relationship that could potentially last a lifetime.

Students were given a glimpse into the daily lives of their mentors and were able to ask questions about the world of work, education and life in general.

“When I found out I was chosen for this programme I didn’t know what to expect. I feel Mr Colin (Wilson) has a lot to offer in the field of acting and production.  We have actually seen each other four times each week since the beginning of the year as I am in his play. I feel I have learned a lot in even this short time and there is much more learning left for me to do so I am very excited about the upcoming months,” stated Richard Tyson, John Gray High School student paired with Colin Wilson.

To prepare mentors for this unique experience, the Chamber organised a half day workshop on Monday, 8 January at The Wharf Restaurant.

The workshop was conducted by Rod Waddell, an international consultant in management development, human resources and staff training. 

It was designed to provide participants with the knowledge, skills and understanding required to sustain a successful mentoring relationship with young people.

“Alexander is interested in being a chef and I took him to Fisherman’s Reef for lunch and a discussion with Ottmar Weber who is an accomplished chef,” said Albert Anderson of Cable & Wireless about his mentee Alexander Gordon. 

“We spoke about the options he could follow for learning the trade and what being a chef involves and what it can evolve to. It is refreshing to be able to share my life experiences with a young man who is very receptive. I look forward to future visits.”

Students also took part in an orientation meeting held on Tuesday, 9 January at John Gray High School, St. Ignatius Catholic School, Cayman Prep and Triple C.

The student Guidelines of the Programme were reviewed in addition to covering topics such as confidentiality, punctuality and appropriate dress.   

The Chamber of Commerce extends their gratitude to the community for the support it has received for the Mentoring Cayman Programme. 

The support of the business community, which is made up of talented, experienced and knowledgeable individuals, is vital for the growth and development of the Island’s young people’s capabilities. 

The Chamber of Commerce is grateful to the professionals who have come forward to help guide these talented young people who need interested and engaged role models to show them the way.

The organisation would also like to acknowledge and thank the businesses,  which have shown their support by allowing senior staff to participate in the Mentoring Cayman programme. 

“We thank them for their generosity and community spirit.  By looking forward to our youth’s future development, these businesses will surely see the rewards in a new generation of industry leaders.  Our young people are the future of not only our country, but also of our core industries,” a press release from the chamber said.

Participating mentors in the 2006/2007 programme come from a variety of industries and backgrounds. 

Occupations in banking, law, interior design, education, medicine, telecommunications, water sports, accounting, automotive, marketing, retail, construction, and financial services are but a few that are represented within the Mentoring Cayman programme.

Mentors from the following companies are taking part in Mentoring Cayman: Advanced Road Construction & Paving, Boatswain’s Beach, Butterfield Bank, Cable & Wireless, Caledonian Group, Campbells, Cayman Animal Hospital, Cayman National, Cayman Prep & High School, Celebrations, CGMJ Architects, Chrissie Tomlinson Memorial Hospital, CITN, Cayman Islands Chamber of Commerce, CI Department of Agriculture, CI Department of Environment, CI Monetary Authority, CI Government, Dart Management, Dart Realty, Ernst & Young, FirstCaribbean International Bank, Foster’s Food Fair, The Furniture Depot, Government Information Services, Health Services Authority, Hobbies & Books Training Division, Julius Baer Bank & Trust Co., Kirkconnell Brothers, Livingstone (CM Studio Ltd.).

Also taking part are: Multi-Images & Opportunities Enterprise, National Gallery, OBMI, Queensgate Bank & Trust, Red Sail Sports, RSM Cayman Islands, RVC Rehab Services, Schools Inspectorate, Scotiabank & Trust, St. Matthew’s University, Tortuga Rum Co., Truman Bodden & Company, UBS Fund Services, Vampt Motors, Walkers, Water Authority, and Wood’s Furniture & Design.

Mentoring Cayman is a joint initiative between the Cayman Islands Chamber of Commerce and the Ministry of Education, Training, Employment, Youth, Sports & Culture.

The central goals of Mentoring Cayman include motivating students to achieve higher results in school; introducing students to potential new career paths; encouraging students to go on to post-secondary education; helping students understand their own strengths & capacities; and developing a positive work ethic among students. 

To take part in the Mentoring Cayman programme, students must be enrolled in Year 11 or equivalent with an excellent report, be nominated by their school for displaying maturity and aptitude for success, and receive parental approval for participation.

As part of the programme schedule, students have day-long workplace visits once each month with their mentors to fully experience the working environment.  This year’s programme involves six sessions of one “school day” per month starting in January and concluding in June, with two “social” sessions outside of the workplace setting.