With summer coming to a close and students heading back to classes soon, Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) Moose Jaw is getting ready to launch its In-School Mentoring program.

The pilot project will see up to five elementary students in Moose Jaw matched with a positive role model who will meet with them at school for an hour every week. Region manager of BBBS, Amy Noureldin says the goal is for the pair to just have fun together.

"They can read or play games, make art or maybe do some cooking in the staff room. Whatever they want to do," says Noureldin. "They don't do anything to do with schoolwork or academics. It's just an opportunity for a young child to make a new friend and have another fun reason to come to school."

Noureldin says the program is a great opportunity for someone interested in mentoring to get their feet wet without as much of a time commitment. The benefits for the child in the match are endless.

"Their engagement in school can increase pretty significantly. Suddenly, they're excited to come to school because they know that there is that person who wants to hang out with them that day," explains Noureldin.

"We see their relationships with their parents, teachers, and peers improve. It's an overall improvement to their emotional wellbeing, and that's something we're really seeing the need for right now."

Anyone interesting in learning more information or becoming an in-school mentor can contact BBBS Moose Jaw on their website.