With the help of the Big Brothers Big Sisters Hamilton & Burlington chapter Jason and Bazil found one another.
Jason had been told by his brother about the shortage of Big Brothers and Big Sisters in the Hamilton and Burlington area. There just weren’t enough adults to mentor the young population in need.
So at the age of 31 Jason decided to give back to the community and became a Big Brother at the Big Brother Big Sister organization in Hamilton, ON. That is when he was matched with his 13 year old “little brother” Bazil.
Bazil, who is originally from Zimbabwe, does not have any siblings at home. Before meeting Jason he often found that he was alone and did not get involved in many activitie that is where Jason came to the rescue for young Bazil.
Bazil has been able to learn all about hockey, web designing and traveling from his big brother. Jason has taught his little brother how to rollerblade, which has become one of Bazil’s favorite pass times during the summer. Skating has not been isolated to pavement for these two. One of Jason’s favorite memories is when he took Bazil ice skating for the first time ever. Despite being from a warm climate, Bazil loved ice-skating!
It isn’t all fun and games for this pair. Jason has also been able to be a mentor for Bazil. Particularly with math, Jason has been able to help his little brother through his struggles with fractions.
Bazil’s favorite part of having Jason as his big brother is having someone to turn to when he is having a problem. He has someone he can relate to and trust to give him good advice.
When asked what being a Big Brother meant to Jason, this is what he had to say:.
“I really enjoy having Bazil as a Little brother. After 9 months of spending time together, I find that he is opening up more and more each time we meet up. Generally, he is a quiet and shy child to people he is not familiar with. But once you get to know him you see a side of him that is inquisitive, thoughtful and active. What's interesting is that our relationship involves mutual exchange of teaching and learning. I remember the first day we got together, we went to the library and sat in front of the computer where he began introducing me to the various types of transport trucks. He began naming the make and model of each transport truck and what the difference between each were. I remember thinking, "wow I'm learning so much, shouldn't I be the one to pass on knowledge to him?". You can tell he has a passion for transport trucks. I recently asked him what he liked most about having me in his life and he responded saying that he liked having someone he can turn to besides his mother. He has a sister who is married and lives in Hamilton and another sister who lives in England so to connect with them is difficult. I was surprised to hear what an impact I have had in the time we've been together but to have him articulate it meant a great deal to me. I got involved with the BBBS looking to help out but I never thought my life could be enriched the way that it has been.”
This pair is a great example of how important it is for a young person to have a positive role model in their life. All it takes a little bit of your time to make a world of difference.
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