Elder Mentor John Borromeo.
John works with his drumming students.
The Elder Mentor Program, part of RurAl CAP's AmeriCorps Seniors Program, serves children across Alaska in pre-K and school settings. Elder Mentors, age 55 and older, volunteer to support school readiness and academic engagement as mentors and culture bearers. They receive training, support and a small stipend for their service.
John Borromeo has been part of the Elder Mentor program since 2022 and volunteers at the Pilot Station school with students from kindergarten through eighth grade. Last school year John served 1,017 hours teaching drumming, singing and dancing to 143 students. We talked to John last spring about his volunteer experience, and this is what he shared:
"I'm John Borromeo from Pilot Station. I've been a school volunteer for four or five years and joined the Elder Mentor program 14 months ago, thanks to our Yupik teacher. I teach Yupik singing and drumming, despite the kids primarily speaking English. Since 2005, I've been involved in Eskimo dance, teaching students from grade school to high school by repeating songs and explaining their meanings.
"As Elders pass on, Eskimo dance is becoming rarer, but young adults continue practicing with us. I help students overcome the challenges of drumming by focusing on the drumbeat and maintaining eye contact.
"We begin dance practice with warm-up songs, which I use to prepare students' voices. My senior nephew, who learned many songs from listening, now teaches younger students with my guidance in Yupik words and dance moves.
"Initially, I was hesitant to hold the drum due to its sacredness, but I now use it with great respect. I also assist with sewing mittens, gloves and caps alongside Patricia, another Elder Mentor, and seek guidance from Barbara (Heckman) when needed. I'm actively involved in helping with patterns, cutting fabric, and assisting with various tasks, volunteering almost daily.
"One eighth grader, who initially spoke only English, began singing in Yupik and has made great progress. I'm proud of him and have taught about 30 students over the years. Their smiles and continued participation are rewarding.
"During Culture Week, students sing, drum and fish, culminating in a performance and potluck. They perform three times a year-at Christmas, Culture Week, and the school year's end."
Learning our language
"Yuuyaraq, meaning 'The Way of Life,' is a continuous tradition where knowledge is passed down from parents. It encompasses subsistence living and preparation for winter, with students learning by observing us. They often seek guidance from those who help.
Our Elder Mentors are crucial in preserving these traditions and ensuring they are passed on correctly."
Anna Heckman, site supervisor at Pilot Station School, says, "I feel blessed to have John as one of our Elder Mentors. He has greatly contributed by teaching Eskimo dance and sharing Yupik values and traditions with students. [Elder Mentors] John, Patricia (Polty) and Barbara have all been invaluable to our program."
How to get involved
RurAL CAP offers two types of volunteer opportunities for people 55 and better: Elder Mentors and Senior Companions. Elder Mentors serve in schools and Head Starts as tutors, mentors or Culture Bearers. Senior Companions volunteer with other seniors in the community through peer-to-peer support providing transportation, respite service, or companionship. We are currently accepting applications for both programs, which offer benefits including a tax-free stipend, paid holidays, free meals, and travel assistance for seniors age 55 and older.
For more information or to apply, call 907-717-7932 or visit eldermentor.org. Find us on Facebook by searching "Elder Mentor" or "RurAL CAP Senior Companion Program"
