The Big Brothers Big Sisters after school program at Kamehameha Schools Maui Elementary is on its way to kick starting another year of fun and learning, and they are looking for well-rounded high school students to volunteer.

Volunteers (“bigs”) and children (“littles”) are often paired up by similar interests and/or attitudes so that the littles feel more comfortable around the bigs.

“I think that this program really helps kids in a good way because it gives kids…the chance to have a person to look up to [and]  just have fun because they might not be able to do that in school or at home,” senior volunteer Dylan Falces said.

Every Wednesday from 3 to 4 p.m., starting Oct. 11, the group will meet at the elementary school and either work on homework or participate in sports or other activities, like learning how to play the ‘ukulele, with their little.

This club does not only affect the elementary students, but the volunteers who join as well. Volunteers can expect to have a meaningful relationship with a child and begin to change either the child’s life or their own.

“This club benefits the older kids because it’s also a way for them to progress their communication skills, and it shows that you care about the youth and community,” Falces said.

By signing up to mentor young children, bigs act as adult figures and give the littles someone whom they can count on. To develop their relationship, bigs learn to be charismatic and respectful.

The Kamehameha Maui chapter is looking for volunteers who not only have a good attitude but are also committed to acting as a good role model.

Editor’s note 5/20/20: Outdated contact information has been removed from this story.