David ‘Wagga’ Hunt Foundation expands mentorship programme

THE PRESTIGIOUS David ‘Wagga’ Hunt (DWH) Foundation recently expanded its initiatives by launching a mentorship programme for its 24 scholars, split equally between Kingston College (KC) and Calabar High School.

This new programme, which offers additional support to the students, was launched on Wednesday, November 19 simultaneously at both schools by DWH Co-Chairman Christopher Hunt (KC) and committee member Michael McPherson (Calabar).

This kick-off was followed by meetings between the mentors and their mentees.

Each scholar is assigned a mentor, who it is anticipated will stay with their mentee throughout their entire high school tenure and the duration of the scholarship. The programme will be governed by strict guidelines which have been set out in a document that includes expectations, outcomes and confidentiality clauses, as overarching tenets.

Mentors and parents of mentees are required to sign this document in good faith. An end-of-first-quarter review is planned for the end of the year.

From this, the organisation will see if adjustments are needed, and both the mentor and the mentee will be able to use that feedback.

Subsequent evaluations are being scheduled to provide oversight and to keep the programme relevant and responsive.

Michael McPherson, who is based in Washington, DC, is upbeat about the programme.

“We have always offered support to our scholars beyond the financial contributions, but felt that it was time to formalise a more structured mentorship programme that offers a safe space and community. The pressures and distractions that exist around them demand our attention. Mentors are encouraged to be consistent in their actions, to be reliable, and to keep the lines of communication open with their mentees, to build trust and confidence in the support offered.”

The strategy is twofold. The organisation is rolling out a holistic approach which will include parental involvement and participation, as needed. School-approved questionnaires will be used to ensure compliance and prevent overreach. These will be utilised to spot issues and uncover needs.

“We want to find out what’s working and what isn’t as we work to enhance the process. I would say, we are building a plane while it’s flying,” McPherson offered.

“Our hope is that a mentor will serve a mentee throughout the high school life of these young men. So, if he starts in second form and everything works out fine, they’ll go through to sixth form.”

Marguerita Hall, vice-principal at KC and an ardent DWH supporter, endorsed the initiative.

“Engaging old boys as mentors is invaluable, as they have firsthand experience of the scholarship awardees’ journey. This new addition to the David ‘Wagga’ Hunt Scholarship programme will significantly enhance support for recipients. I envision that the mentorship initiative will help boost students’ confidence, broaden their career horizons, and provide them with a strong professional network.”