International Volunteer Year 2026 recognizes the essential role volunteers play in building strong communities. At Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland, 35,254 volunteer hours supported 574 youth through mentorship programs that foster confidence, connection, and long term impact.
On International Day of Education, Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland highlights the power of youth as co-creators of education and the role mentorship plays in supporting learning, confidence, and post-secondary pathways.
As part of National Mentoring Month, we’re spotlighting Tegan, a Study Buddy mentor with Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland. Over four years, her consistency, kindness, and encouragement helped a young person grow in confidence, curiosity, and connection, showing the lasting impact of mentorship built on trust and showing up.
Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland launches Pumped for Post-Secondary, a first-of-its-kind pilot program in BC connecting high school students with post-secondary mentors, campus experiences, and guidance for life after high school.
![[Blog Header] Articles (1)](https://www.bigsisters.bc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Blog-Header-Articles-1.jpg.webp "[Blog Header] Articles (1)")
Awareness is the first step, but it’s not enough on its own. Today’s youth need more than knowledge; they need tools, confidence, and opportunities to act. In a world where identity, belonging, and safety are constantly challenged, girls and gender-diverse youth deserve spaces that go beyond conversation and lead to real change.
Hadisa and Carly’s story shows how the right mentor match can make all the difference. Through shared interests, steady support, and trust built over time, their relationship highlights the quiet power of mentorship and what’s possible when youth feel truly supported.
Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland is launching Pumped for Post-Secondary, a new group-based mentoring program that supports high school students in Grades 9 to 12 as they explore post-secondary education. Delivered in partnership with Langara College, the pilot program will be offered in British Columbia for the first time and aims to strengthen students’ confidence, readiness, and access to post-secondary opportunities through mentorship and guided learning experiences.
This National Mentoring Month, we’re spotlighting Haleluya Hailu, a Little Sister whose experience with the Study Buddy program shows how consistent mentorship can help young people build confidence, find their voice, and shape their path forward.
Julia first joined Go Girls! as a mentee in grade 8 and returned years later as a mentor to give back to the program that shaped her. From heartwarming group moments to watching girls grow more confident each week, her experience reflects the real power of mentorship.
This Women’s History Month, we shine a spotlight on Sara, a dedicated Study Buddy mentor. From Zoom sessions during COVID to in-person connections, Sara’s mentorship story highlights the power of guidance, community, and building confidence in youth.
