There are 70 boys and twelve girls urgently waiting for positive adult role models in Bermuda.

All it takes is three hours a week for no less than a year to help one of these children avoid the pitfalls of a troubled life -- yet volunteers are needed desperately.

The plea came from Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Bermuda president Dwayne Trott at the Hamilton Rotarians luncheon yesterday afternoon.

He said: "While we have little difficulty soliciting Big Sister volunteers, we are constantly campaigning for Big Brothers.

"Try and picture yourself as one of these 70 Little Brothers on the waiting list.

"Picture what it must be like growing up and not having at least one male influence to do the things that boys like to do and talk about things boys like to talk about.'' Mr. Trott said the unwillingness of men to volunteer has been a problem the organisation has faced and tried to deal with for many years.

One means of meeting it is through advertising and another way will be experimented with at some time between July and August of this year when the organisation launches its "Be a Big Brother for the Day'' event.

"This event will require community leaders ... to spend one day with a child on our waiting list. We need you to help us publicise our need for Big Brothers.

"This is just one way of letting the unmatched Little Brothers know that we have not forgotten them,'' continued Mr. Trott.

Mr. Trott added Big Brothers provide companionship, friendship and guidance to the youngsters and help them grow into responsible and mature adults.

This also provides much needed relief to parents and grandparents who are often overburdened by extra demands of single parenthood.

Another problem the organisation is facing, he continued, is addressing the increased behavioural problems exhibited by the Little Sister and Little Brother intakes.

To meet this challenge, said Mr. Trott, the organisation was considering implementing training mechanisms to equip Big Brothers and Sisters with the necessary skills.

He thought these mechanisms could be put in place with the help of already existing groups.

Dwayne Trott