The BUDDY Program

“She understands me, she knows how to help me, she encourages me. She always makes time for me. She takes an interest in me.”

“She showed me that there are other ways to live than always feeling miserable. She’s been a great help to me.”

“It’s so rewarding to be able to help a child by giving them our time! They really pick up on it and gradually come to understand that they have someone in their life to share both the good times and the bad."

“I’m doing better in school and I’m getting more exercise.”

“I’ve started to be more talkative, more smiley. I’m not sad as much, I feel more alive since we’ve been together.”

“I love everything we do, and I’m especially happy to be with her. Wouldn’t care if all we did was sit there feeling bored…just as long as I’m with her.”

“I think I’m a better person for having him in my life.”

“The main benefit of this program is that the children have someone to give them their full attention, which they don’t have to share with other children in the group. This is such a simple thing, but it is often missing in these children’s lives. They may not say it out loud, but you can see it in their behaviour.”

“It’s so easy to make a difference. With just a little more time, we can show a child a different outlook on the world and the people around them.”

“Everyone should step out of their comfort zone once in a while. The most valuable thing we can give to someone is our time. We all have so little of it, and everyone is rushing around, telling themselves they wouldn’t be able to fit this in. But it’s pretty easy. It’s about getting your priorities right.”

“I feel like I am loved. It puts me in a better frame of mind.”

“I don’t feel anxious as much; I can handle things better.”

“I’m learning that little things like paying attention, saying a few kind words, and having someone there for you are more important than anything else. We often get so caught up in our own egos and needs that we forget what’s really important.”

“Tamara’s BUDDY volunteer gives her motivation to study and aim high in life.”

“I am acutely aware that genuine friendships and a supportive and loving family are not a given in life. It’s because I built up solid relationships in my youth that I feel this is something I need to nurture and pay forwards. I want to be as good a friend to someone else as my friends and family are to me. Because humans are social creatures and need to feel that they belong somewhere.”

“I don’t answer back as much as I used to. I’ve made progress in my relationship with my mum.”

“I notice that, through their relationship with a volunteer, the children have been able to form more intimate relationships with other adults who are part of their lives.”

“I’m a better listener, I’m more patient. I’ve learnt to be less annoyed when something doesn’t work out the way I wanted.”

“We discuss things I wouldn’t share with anyone else.”

“We are so glad the BUDDY program is up and running in our region. It brings the children a lot of positivity and satisfaction, a meaningful way of spending time, and opens up new horizons to the world around them… We can say from experience that this program is worthwhile for the children. It makes them happy. Thank you.”

“I feel less ashamed. I don’t get as stressed when I have to speak in public, for example. She suggested various stress management techniques.”

“We get on well. We trust each other. I don’t offer her advice. I just keep her on track. I feel we’re on the same page. Her and me. We’re friends, simply… BUDDIES.”