Prime mentors of Canada is celebrating its silver anniversary in May, 2014. This educational venture deserves the accolade of all Canadians, both born in Canada and immigrants. It is a distinct contribution to the Canadian Mosaic founded by a noted educator whose country of origin is the Philippines.
Dr. Conchita Tan-Willman a professor emeritus of the Ontario Institute of Education, University of Toronto is a visionary who put into reality her dream of establishing a way of communication and understanding between generations
Dr. Willman observed that many children in Canadian schools are often not developed to the fullness of their capacities due to some factors that are beyond the expectations from a normal learner. It could be a special talent in science, music, art, creative writing, mathematics or inability to cope with the regular curriculum due to lack of proficiency in the languages of instruction in our schools. The number of children in a class does not give the teacher time for one-to-one discovery of talents and development of said learners.
On the other hand, we have the older generation who have reached the age of freedom, the time in their lives when responsibilities are lifted from their shoulders, a time to enjoy with no more deadlines to keep and no more superiors to answer to or subordinates to check and lead. Retirement is a stage in one’s life that many look forward to, a future one saves for to make trips and see the world or engage in a hobby that he or she wanted to engage in but did not have the time to do so.
But once a person gets to this stage there is a feeling of loss experienced. After a few months or a year of being carefree, boredom sets in. That feeling of loss of respect and regard in accomplishments starts to get felt. One seems to have missed a goal for living. The appreciation for their special skills and talents seems to diminish or completely disappear. These special qualities of retirees were the bases that Dr. Conchita Tan-Willman dared to harness.
The project was born. The enthusiasm of other educators, leaders in all areas of endeavor and prominent members of society was drawn to the concept. Schools were contacted to identify children who need such attention and were paired with interested members of the retired groups. Prime mentors were identified. The initial years of the project were phenomenal. Both prime mentors and protégées found satisfaction that they did not experience before. The students who were met by their prime mentors once a week started to blossom. Together activities flowed. The prime mentors were able to enjoy using their special talents and expertise in leading the students to plan and carry out presentations both never dreamed of in accomplishment. Other children and their teachers in the schools recognized and applauded the growth of these students who were formerly square pegs in round holes.
The popularity of the Prime Mentors Program increased. Government officials took notice. The lieutenant governor of Ontario at the time invited the prime mentors and the organizers of the program to Queen’s Park, for recognition. This visits to the Ontario Legislature were continued by succeeding lieutenant governors.
The Prime Mentors of Canada Program was not an easy task to handle. It needed financing to be able to continue. It needed special leadership of people who understand and appreciate the program. The support of schools is to be maintained. Conferences and workshops for prime mentors had to be held to share problems as well as successes and to orient prime mentors on educational procedures that may assist them in their tasks. Through all these endeavors, Dr. Conchita Tan-Willman has been at the helm.
Twenty-five years have seen the progress of the Prime Mentors of Canada. Like all progressive undertakings, it has undergone changes. Some of the earlier coordinators who were dearly appreciated had passed away. New coordinators have taken over who are usually former educational leaders in their schools. Prime mentors came and went due to old age or sickness that incapacitated them. New mentors now are of different ages. Some of them are university students who find time in their schedules to mentor. Some previous protégées have become prime mentors. Prime Mentors of Canada have been recognized in some other countries and duplicated in schools abroad.
Prime mentors come from different walks of life, from different countries of origin, who have settled in Canada. They speak their first languages at home and with friends from the same country of origin. They possess various talents and skills, habits, behaviours and temperament but they are unanimous in their appreciation of their experiences as prime mentors. Many of them, once again became students in life, learning from their young protégées.
Many of the protégées are now-graduates of universities and are in productive occupations in the country. They continue to communicate and express their appreciation of the role the Prime Mentors of Canada in their lives.
As we join in celebrating the silver anniversary of this great project, let us salute its founder, Dr. Conchita Tan-Willman for her unwavering efforts in leading the Prime Mentors of Canada all these years. The Prime Mentors of Canada is one proof that multiculturalism works in Canada. People from different countries of origin can make a distinct contribution to the Canadian Mosaic.
Rosalina E. Bustamante
April 25, 2014