Black Oasis: True Colours Mentoring for children

Monday, May 24, 2010

True Colours Mentoring for children

The True Colours Mentoring Group - photos of children, parents, families, mentors - all enjoying their time together at each session - all celebrating a variety of cultural activities, from enjoying the crafts and colouring, having fun in the gym, taking part in preparing various ethnic foods, hanging out with each other and listening to music from each culture.

Angela Krueger, the Adoption Feature Writer with Suite101.com, has been kind enough to interview me and has written another article - this time featuring the True Colours Mentoring Group that I have been facilitating for the past three years.

The program has been a huge success and the children and families here in BC have been benefiting ever since it's inception. I am so happy to be a part of this positive resource for the families who are wanting to ensure their children are taking part in the cultural activities and enjoying the time we share together each month.

Click on the link below to read more:
http://adoption.suite101.com/article.cfm/interview-with-adoptee-ola-zuri-about-true-colours-mentoring

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Need to Contact Me?

To discuss having me speak at your school, bookstore, library, or event, send an email to: olazapple@mac.com

For schools, I do a presentation that uses any of my books, Why Can't You Look Like Me, Where Do I Belong, or What Is A Part Of Me, as a point of departure for discussing differences in people, family situations and about how believing in the negative words and behaviours towards people who are different, can hurt oneself and others. The positive message of being different is acceptable is encouraged and discussed with the children throughout the presentation. Self confidence is key throughout the discussion. There is generally a question and answer period with the children, as they are always quite inquisitive about the books. The presentation can last 30-45 minutes, depending on age, and can be tailored to the needs of a given grade level or curriculum.

For Adoption or Foster Care support groups, I do a presentation by first discussing my own life experiences as a transracially adopted person. I continue on with the topic of finding the strength within to make a difference in the lives of children by developing books that will encourage children to believe in what is within them, rather than what is said about, or to them. The messages that are offered throughout the presentation are key in the development of strong, healthy, self confident children, children that will start their healing process as they grow, rather than when they are grown. Things are wrapped up with a question and answer period whereby parents, educators, support workers and anyone who attends a presentation, will walk away feeling empowered and inspired to continue helping the children and families in their lives.

My Fees:

Contact me to discuss: olazapple@mac.com