12 Buckets Mentor Program

12 Buckets helps local children to flourish regardless of background or circumstance. Our inschool mentoring program strives to equip primary students with the skills, support and connections needed to build a strong future.

Our volunteer mentors, help identify a child’s spark, and then, seek to strengthen and grow that spark to help foster resilience and confidence. The focus of the program is to support the social and emotional wellbeing of these students which can lead to them having better engagement in their learning in the classroom and their connection within the school environment.

In the words of one of their students, Rohit (12), “12 Buckets has changed my life. It has helped me to be who I really am and to feel like I am supposed to be here… where I am.”

The 12 Buckets guiding buckets model focuses on the areas of Belonging, Generosity, Mastery, and Independence. These are universal growth needs that support the social and emotional wellbeing and development of a child.

Mentoring sessions are held once a week, in the 12 Buckets room that is set up to spark curiosity and joy. This room allows the students and mentors to explore the 12 Buckets guiding buckets model through different activities whilst having fun! Mentors help uncover a child’s existing area of strength or interest by taking the time to get to know their student through games and other activities. Activities include cooking, art, Lego building, music, writing, environment, sport, painting or reading.

12 Buckets is a place for connection and a place to be challenged to grow. It is a safe space for kids take a break, focus on themselves, and begin to realise anything is possible!