A black solicitor from Finchley has volunteered to help with proposals for a new mentoring scheme for black and ethnic minority children in Barnet.

Boma Ozobia, a partner in Cooke Dugan Solicitors in Regent's Park Road, Finchley, said Barnet's schoolchildren would benefit from having role models they could respect.

"There are not that many good role models," said Mrs Ozobia, 36, of Wise Lane, Mill Hill.

"I don't see that kids can relate to Trevor MacDonald because of the generation gap.

"Black and ethnic minority artists seem to excel in the music and entertainment world, but what about in law, accountancy, medicine, or even teaching?

"It makes such a difference to have someone to look up to. My little boy is at an excellent school and he doesn't have any black teachers.

"He recently said he didn't want to do an Italian class because he would be the only black child in the class."

The idea for a mentoring scheme came from Agnes Slocombe, a West Hendon councillor. Her private member's bill, which was approved at a Barnet Council policy conference this month, aims to introduce full-time mentors to schools and is now awaiting approval from the council's cabinet.

Mrs Ozobia, who grew up in Nigeria, said she would like to help on a voluntary part-time basis, and also has ten friends that want to be involved.

"I have got a database of ten professionals already recruited as volunteer mentors after a few phone calls," she said.

"We are all willing to give whatever time is needed. I hope this will encourage Councillor Slocombe."

A spokesman for the Barnet Labour group said that although the scheme was in early planning stages, the offer of help from Mrs Ozobia was very welcome and would be considered.

January 27, 2003 12:30