Big Buddies ready to offer support at Edenvale High
The Big Buddy Programme is structured to assist incoming Grade Eight learners with their transition into high school.
Twenty-six pre-selected learner volunteers from Edenvale High School recently underwent training for their roles as Grade 11 Big Buddies for the year.
The learners received training in empathy, basic counselling techniques, emotional regulation, conflict resolution and other relevant skills.
Each Big Buddy is paired with two Grade 8’s, whom they take under their wing for the duration of the school year.
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The Grade 11’s are tasked to be role models and guides for the Grade Eights, providing emotional support and encouraging younger learners to become actively engaged in the school community, to optimise their academics and social experience, during their first year of high school.
Starting in 2015, EHS’ Big Buddy Programme has been running for 10 years.
It is structured to assist incoming Grade Eight learners with their transition into high school, to motivate their personal development and to enhance their sense of well-being.
The programme also assists the staff who supervise the Big Buddies to identify common themes amongst the Grade Eight group, which can be referred to the Counselling Department for early intervention.
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Last year EHS 2024 Big Buddies hung up their caps in November.
The Grade 11’s built meaningful relationships with their Little Buddies, met with them every school week for the entire year and attended weekly supervision, on top of honouring their other Grade 11 duties.
The school’s 2025 Big Buddy candidates will commence their duties in February.
