Lovely, Ofa and Alyana are the Star mentors for Tieke group 1, students from 9Ke(Lk) and 9Co.

"Being a STARS Peer Mentor sounded like a big responsibility at first but you’ll soon realise that you have an amazing team you can work with. I decided to become one because I wanted to reach out to younger students and help them see that they all have a place in our kura. It’s unfortunate that I didn’t get to experience the Stars Programme myself but I can see its impact on these young people as one of the Stars Peer Mentors.
Not only I do I want them to learn from me, but also for me to grow along with them, by taking a step out of my comfort zone. So far, I have enjoyed spending meaningful times with my class. We have a long way to go but as a team, we can all make it!"

Lovely, Year 12, Peer Mentor

“I decided to become a Star Mentor because I wanted to challenge myself to do something I have never done before, to step out of my comfort zone. I wanted to reach out to younger students and help them realise that they always have a place in our kura and we are here to help them. I also want the student to learn from me and I will learn from them.

It is sad that I did not get to experience the Star programme when I was in Year 9 but with each session I can see the impact on these young students. During these past sessions I have enjoyed spending time with the class I am working with and getting to know them all. They are all amazing kids and I know that we have a long way to go but as a team and as a Star mentor I believe that we can do it, if we all work together.”

Ofa, Year 12, Star Mentor.