Methanex mentorship delivers tangible rewards

I didn’t know what to expect when a teacher recommended that I should take part in the programme when I was in Form 2.

To be honest, I had some attitude problems but I decided to give it a try. I am not exagger ating when I say that it has changed my life in a very positive manner.

I can relate better to people now. I am more disciplined and more focused on my goals and I truly believe that I can achieve whatever I put my mind to, said an assured James, who went back to Methanex in August to say a hearty thank you to his mentors.

James mentorship experience was shared by three other Methanex prot?g?s who all hailed the positive impact that the programme has had on their lives. James and his school mates, Arianna Balgobin and Anjali Rambarran, together with Warren Joseph of Carapichaima East Secondary School, interacted with mentors, Sab Ribeiro, Anthony Narine and Juliana Pierre, proudly showing off trophies and certificates of their academic and extra- curricular achievements.

They were also warmly congratulated by Managing Director and President of Methanex Trinidad, Charles Percy.

I can say with absolute certainty that the two years I spent in the Mentoring Our Children programme has made a really big difference in my life. The experience has been truly revolutionary. It has given me self-confidence and self-esteem.

I am able to assist my peers academically and emotionally. I can also communicate much better with my family, friends and neighbours. I believe I am a much better person as a result of the Methanex mentorship, said Arianna Balgobin, valedictorian of her graduating class.

Warren Joseph, is a consummate all-rounder. Like his peers, he excels at his academic studies. But he is also steeped in extra-curricular activities, as a respected member of the Trinidad and Tobago Cadet Force and a player with Angel Harps Steel Orchestra. I am enjoying many benefits as a result of this programme.

I have learnt how to deal with stress and trouble situations, the value of teamwork, how to interact with my peers and adults, proper etiquette and greater self-confidence, said Joseph.

For Anjali Rambarran, a prot?g? of the 2012-2014 programme, there has been an additional benefit, with her family enjoying a new home through a partnership between Methanex and Habitat for Humanity (Trinidad and Tobago) which extended the reach of the programme to deliver basic housing to qualifying families of students from participating schools.

Delighted with the far-reaching outcomes of the initiative, Methanex’s Charles Percy pointed out that the unique mentoring relationship delivers lasting benefit to everyone involved, the prot?g?s, their schools and their families, as well as the mentors and the company itself.

This initiative is very dear to us at Methanex.

It allows our employees to become mentors to young people who could possibly be misled without proper guidance and support.

As a Responsible Care® company, we believe that the best legacy we can leave as a company is to touch the lives of our youths in a positive way that builds character, helps them to achieve their goals and empowers them to be the best they can be! Percy explained.