Carabiner is a goal orientated mentoring programme, linking potential with success. Carabiner programmes give young people with disabilities the support, guidance and confidence they need to achieve their dreams and goals – to create a sense of belonging and increase independence.
A Carabiner is a vital piece of equipment that provides support, confidence and guidance required for a Rock Climber to reach the pinnacle of their mountain. Carabiner Mentoring supports young people with disabilities to reach the pinnacle of their lives by acting as a Carabiner (or link) between young people with disabilities and their Mentors who are linked via their common area of interest.
Carabiner began with a pilot in early 2008 and was funded in 2009 through the Vodafone Foundations World of Difference Programme. The results were so awesome that support for the program to continue and grow has been received.
It is the vision of Carabiner to match young people aged between 17 – 24 years who demonstrate vision, passion and perseverance towards a specific goal with someone who has experience in the area that the young person is aspiring towards. This goal may be recreational, academic, social (gaining confidence) or business. The Mentor may or may not have a disability as the important link is the shared interest and the introduction to a new network that can support the young person with his or her dream.
Carabiner and our Mentors create channels for the passage of information, advice, opportunities, challenges, and support with the ultimate outcome of achieving goals while having fun.
Purpose
To give young people with disabilities the support and guidance they need to achieve their dreams and goals, have a sense of belonging and increase independence.
Objectives
• Foster self growth and increase confidence among young people with disabilities
• Young people with disabilities working with Mentors to set goals and achieve milestones
• Linking young people with disabilities with opportunities to achieve their dreams
• To encourage and promote the qualities and potential of young people with disabilities
• To provide young people with disabilities and Mentors with access to new networks and social opportunities
Outcomes
• New meaningful relationships and networks for both young people with disabilities and Mentors
• Mentors are richer for their time and experience
• Young people with disabilities are confident about their future goals and have knowledge of pathways to success
• Young people with disabilities are living their dream