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Red Beach author and youth mentoring expert Robin Cox had no idea a global pandemic was around the corner when he started writing his new book, Choices – Encouraging Youth to Achieve Greatness.
However, the obstacles and challenges thrown up by the arrival of Covid-19 make its purpose and publication more timely and relevant than ever, he says.
“Youth have been disproportionately impacted by the social, educational, and economic impacts of the pandemic,” he says. “For the next 10 years at least, the need for youth mentoring will be huge. It is going to be so important.”
Robin is a former school principal who moved to New Zealand from South Africa in 1999 and retired to Red Beach three years ago. While here, he has developed youth mentoring programmes, written more than a dozen books and personally mentored more than 1000 teenagers.
His new book aims to encourage parents, teachers, coaches and mentors to motivate young people to reach their potential in these difficult times.
“Many students will return to school with not only educational setbacks, but also setbacks in their social and emotional skills,” he says. “Research states that stress, related to the pandemic and social distancing, was found to be associated with loneliness, increased anxiety and depression.”
He says positive face-to-face relationships are key to the health and wellbeing of youth in a post-pandemic world, and Choices provides practical tips and strategies to connect with, inspire and motivate young people to reach their potential. There are also true stories of Robin’s interactions with some of the teenagers he has mentored in New Zealand and elsewhere using the framework outlined in Choices.
The book also encourages readers to reflect on their own adolescent journey to appreciate some of the challenges today’s youth face, and reminds them of the importance of positive relationships.
“Choices offers messages of hope to all who wish to be an optimistic voice in the life of our youth,” Robin says.
WIN this book
Hibiscus Matters has two copies of Choices – Encouraging Youth to Achieve Greatness to give away, plus two copies of Robin Cox’s last book, Mentoring Minutes. To be in to win, ‘like’ Hibiscus Matters’ Facebook page and message your name and contact phone number. Alternatively, write your name, address and phone number on the back of an envelope and post to Choices Giveaway, Hibiscus Matters, 21 Florence Ave, Ōrewa. Entries close Tuesday, December 14. Choices – Encouraging Youth to Achieve Greatness, by Robin Cox, is published by Wipf & Stock, RRP $24.99 from Wipf & Stock, Amazon, Kindle or direct from the author at https://yess.co.nz/bookstore
