TORONTO
Youth program a big hit for this duo
Odain Brown has learned plenty in the last year. For one, he knows he can't win when playing soccer against his little buddy, Tytan Mohamed. A good way to bond with nature is watching the sun set over the lake at camp. And there's nothing more rewarding than being a role model to a 12-year-old.
"It's a big responsibility being a role model," said Brown, 24, who takes his volunteer work very seriously. "But it feels good to have someone look up to you. It's why I always try to lead by example."
A part-time child and youth worker at the Children's Aid Society of Toronto, Brown said he wanted to give back and do something to make his community better. So he joined Youth Assisting Youth and made a year-long commitment to the organization that provides peer mentoring for "juniors," 6 to 15 years old, including kids at risk and newcomers. Brown liked it so much that at the end of the 12 months, he decided to stay on.
Tytan's mom, Sherifa Mohamed, couldn't be more pleased. She had been looking for an organization that would give her son an opportunity to bond with a male role model. "YAY was a perfect fit because it was youth working with youth," she said.
The relationship that developed is amazing. "I've definitely seen changes in Tytan," Mohamed said. "His self-confidence has improved and so have his decision-making skills." She added: "To do activities together and have fun in a comfortable environment with one-on-one time is wonderful...It's been a godsend to be part of it."
And the camp program is just as great. "Tytan and I do a lot of things together, and I love to be outdoors," Mohamed said, adding the rough-and-tumble adventures at camp are better suited to her son and his mentor. "I don't think Tytan would have gone to camp alone," she added. "I'm glad Odain was there for him."
Youth Assisting Youth is among 106 camps to receive support from the Fresh Air Fund. Last summer was the first time the boys attended. "We had a lot of fun," said Brown, adding he and Tytan are looking forward to another outdoor adventure this year.
After all, camp gave Brown an opportunity to teach his young pal something new. "I taught him how to roll up a sleeping bag," he said with a chuckle an important life skill, no doubt.
During the year, Brown and his junior are busy with activities including homework, skating, watching movies and, oh yes, playing soccer. "Tytan is a very smart, good kid and very active," Brown said. "He's involved in a lot of different programs because his mom wants him to have a lot of opportunities to learn. "He's very into soccer and Tytan is definitely better than me."
"Odain is just being nice," the youth said. "Odain is more than a friend, he's like my big brother," Tytan added. "If I scrape my knee, he'll be there with a thousand bandages. That's Odain."
7 June 2009
