(CMR) Sixty-five high achievers are participating in this year's Mentor Cayman programme put on by the Cayman Islands Chamber of Commerce.
The high-achieving students were nominated by their Principals, and their parents were introduced to their mentors for the first time during the opening reception for the 2021 Mentoring Cayman programme.
“I am pleased to report that there are 65 mentor and student matchups this year, a record for the programme,” said Chamber President-Elect Mike Gibbs in his welcome address at the event
“All mentors have completed an orientation session, Darkness to Light training and submitted a police clearance. Mentors have been matched with students based on mutual areas of interest,” added Gibbs.
Gibbs encouraged mentors and students to be kind, patient and respectful as they get to know one another.
“Focus on common interests and establish a good rapport,” he said.
He further urged parents and guardians to remain involved in the mentoring process by checking in with their son/daughter for regular updates.
Elroy Bryan from the Department of Education Services also addressed the audience at the event encouraging students to take the programme seriously.
“I challenge you all to not take this opportunity lightly, to absorb as much as you possibly can from your mentors and hold them in the highest of importance,” said Bryan who delivered remarks on behalf of Education Minister Julianna O’Connor-Connolly.
“Cherish this gift, that is, to receive guidance from those who have come before you and from those that have achieved before you. Take this with you always, if nothing else. Your survival depends on it. Your success depends on it,” he added.
Bryan further added that while a good formal education is paramount to all around professional success in the globalized economy, it is safe to conclude that real-world experience is equally important.
Since its inception in 2002, Mentoring Cayman has benefitted more than 1,500 students who have been given a unique opportunity to meet and to form lasting relationships with some of the top business and government leaders across all industries. Students receive invaluable advice and form lasting relationships which often leads to future opportunities for summer work, internships and employment.
The programme is sponsored by Consolidated Water, Cox Lumber, Rocky’s Diamond Gallery and Knighthead Annuity.
Participating schools include Clifton Hunter High School, John Gray High School, Cayman Prep & High School, St Ignatius Catholic School, Triple C School, Cayman International School and Wesleyan Christian Academy.
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