Mentors on the Island were thanked yesterday for investing in Bermuda?s future.

YouthNet and Big Brothers & Big Sisters of Bermuda joined forces this year to thank all of their volunteers in an event sponsored by Ernst & Young.

Spice Valley Middle School student Khalil Burch is involved in the Big Brother?s of Bermuda programme.

He said he wanted a big brother who would spend time with him and listen to his jokes. After nearly a year on the waiting list the 11-year-old was assigned Alan Titus.

The two spend a lot of time at the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute and Aquarium as Khalil wants to be a marine biologist.

Yesterday Khalil thanked Mr. Titus for his time and energy: ?I appreciate it when you take me to volunteer at the aquarium and come to my school to make sure I am doing my work.

?You go the extra mile to show me that I am special.?

Husband and wife team Michael and Anita Swain mentor Victor Scott Primary students Luis Correia and Alysa Santucci as part of the YouthNet programme.

Luis thanked YouthNet for giving him the opportunity to meet his mentor.

He described Mr. Swain as someone who has ?touched my life in a special way?.

Alysa said she has enjoyed the three years she has known the Swains and likes the time she spends with Mrs. Swain.

Cashum Brangman, who is 12 and attends Dellwood Middle School, said he enjoys spending time with his YouthNet mentor Donna Smith.

He said: ?When I grown up I want to be a mentor for some little boy because you are an inspiration to me.?

Education Minister Randy Horton urged more people to become involved with the two programmes and said it doesn?t cost a thing but the benefits for everyone involved were infinite.

Gil Tucker who is a managing partner at Ernst & Young, one of YouthNet?s main sponsors, said: ?It?s the best thing that we have ever done. We have heard a lot today about people giving back to the community and that is important but as a corporate sponsor we get just as much back from the students.?