“BIG BROTHER” MOVEMENT

Gisborne Times, Volume LXIV, Issue 11011, 25 January 1926, Page 3

“BIG BROTHER” MOVEMENT

SUCCESSFUL RESULTS IN' GISBORNE.

PARENTS’ VALUABLE: - CO-UPE,

RATION

The “Big Brother” movement, founded by the American Y.M.C.A., has come to Le recognised all over the world as one -of the principal methods for making good citizens from boys who have made a bad start and have appeared in the courts. It was first commenced in New Zealand three years ago, and, since then, has grown rapidly and become a part of the social welfare work of the majority of towns It has, from its inception, attracted the sympathetic inferest of magistrates who could see that it provided a method, and a very practical method, for reforming boys. The work of this movement was commenced in Gisborne some few months ago, and 1 there are now eighteen boys in charge of “Big Brothers” in his town. These lads, all of whom have appeared in the juvenile court, are not bad boys, but are boys who through lack of interests of some description, have made a slip. The “Big Brother” movement aims at helping them to live better and more interesting lives, and the results so far achieved show that it will play a big part in helping unfortunate boys in the district. AIM OF THE SCHEME. Tlio object of the “Big Brother * scheme is; primarily, to provide suitable young men who are willing to act in the capacity of Big Brothers to juveniles who come before the courts for criminal offences, and to assist other juveniles who, by their conduct, are evidently shaping their lives in the wrong direction. In short, these gentlemen are expected to shape doubtful material into reputable citizens. The “Big Brother” generally undertakes to see the boy at least once a week, and, where the Y.M.C.A. is conducting clubs, the boys usually join up, and eventually become good members.

RECOGNITION OF WORK

That the work is recognised as being of the greatest value to the eoun try is shown by the fact that the Education Department now co-operates to the fullest possible extent with the Y.M.U.A. in the movement. Whenever any juvenile appears before the court at Gisborne, the Probation Officer at Napier, who is also in charge of the special schools which are now run by the Education Department, communicates with the local Board of Directors of the Y.M.U.A. and the Board then finds some pe,*.on who is willing to act as a '‘Big Brother” to the boy. When the Board is satisfied Jhat the ‘Big Brother” selected is the one best fitted to help the boy along, it places the boy in his care, and he is then responsible for seeing to the moral and physical welfare of the lad.

MEDICAL ASSISTANCE

The practical side of the work has not been neglected and it is recognised that in many eases the boys may be suffering from physical defects which do not allow them to enjoy life to the Tull. The Board of Directors has the assistance of a number of doctors and dentists who are willing to examine free of charge any boy who may he considered to be suffering from any defect, if it is found that an operation will effect an improvement, the Board will, if necessary, find the money to have the work done. The “Big Brother” not only encourages the "boy in his charge to take an intelligent interest in literature and other branches of culture, but interests him in sport and thus gives him the opportunity of enjoying all sides of life. PARENTAL INDULGENCE. In only too many cases it is found that the real cause of a boy’s slip is a lack of parental control, and the overindulgence of the boy. The “Big Brother” gets into touch with the home of the boy in his charge and is thus able to ascertain any defects which may exist. He is then in a good position to make suggestions which may effect the desired improvement. Most parents ; are only too glad to have the assistance of the “Big Brothers,” and realise that it is all for the good of the boys, but in some exceptional cases, where support is not accorded, the “Brothers” may report to the Board of Directors, and if the necessary co-operation is not forthcoming, the Board has the power to recommend to the Probation Officer that the boy should he removed to one of the special schools. This course has not, so far, proved necessary in Gisborne, where the results are excellent, and where the parents are co-operating to the fullest extent. The “Big Brother” movement is but one of the many activities carried out by the Y.M.C.A. organisation, but it is a very important one, and should have the hearty co-operation of all those who are interested in the welfare of the future citizens of the D'o minion. Recommended b> magistrates, and endorsed by the Education Department, it is, indeed, one of the finest welfare organisations in existence and the local branch of the organisation is to be commended for having commenced this very useful and necessary work.