From left are “little” Desarae with her “big” sister, Alex Noppert. In the background are “big” Sally Searfoss and her “little” Marlene.

By Trina Hoy
Community Development Director, Kosciusko County

Big Brothers Big Sisters in Kosciusko County has created the Around the World Nights series. The series was created as an educational tool to help volunteers connect better with their “littles,” and also to give them some experience with other cultures. Each month through 2015 a different culture will be featured in the series.

Southeast Asia was the destination in June with tour guide, Peter Liao, from DePuy Synthes. Peter is originally from Southeast Asia and has a wealth of knowledge about the area and the customs of its people. As the matches arrived at their destination, the Touch of Life Church, they got their passport stamped. Peter began the trip by showing the children how to use chopsticks and tried to pick up Cheerio’s and M&M’s. Then he showed compelling highlights from China, Japan and Taiwan in a slideshow and talked about the history of dragons. 

The kids got to view and touch memorabilia from Southeast, Asia and each got to take home a gift from China. Peter taught the kids how to create some words in traditional Chinese, followed by a game called “Catch the Dragon Tail.” Then each got to partake in a delicious savory rice snack and some tea.

Nine matches in all attended this popular match activity. The “Littles” are anxiously waiting to hear what their destination will be in July.

There are many opportunities for community-based volunteers to provide experiences for their “littles” in the community. This series is just one of them. Throughout the county there are many partners who give free or discounted goods or services to help kids in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. Our passion is to help at-risk children achieve positive measurable outcomes through one-to-one mentoring. A mentor’s guidance and friendship can inspire educational success, improved self-esteem, better relationships, and in turn, better citizens for our community. 

Do you want to become a BIG BROTHER or BIG SISTER in Kosciusko County? Would you like to help in some way or learn more? Contact Trina Hoy at (574) 551-6386 or email her at [email protected].  You can also enroll online at, www.BBBSNEI.org.