Over the past few years, Big Brothers Big Sisters mentor Carla Simmons has shared many happy moments with her ‘littles’ — twins Kyjah and Makaila Albouy.

But her happiest memory came when the 13-year-olds confessed how much she meant to their lives.

“We were just sitting there, talking at my house and watching a movie, when out of the blue they told me for the first time how much they love me and that they didn’t want to lose me as a Big Sister.

“That really warmed my heart to know that I have made such an impact in their young lives,” she said.

Ms Simmons was recently named Big Sister of the Year, while long time mentor and football enthusiast Dr Ian Fulton took home the title of Big Brother of the Year.

Ms Simmons decided to volunteer with the worthy programme back in 2006, after seeing an advertisement in this newspaper looking for mentors.

Her initial thought was “Why not?” - when it came to offering her time to a deserving child and giving back to the community.

“Having no children of my own, I figured being a positive influence in someone’s life would be a good way of giving back to the community,” she said.

The trio spend their time together doing activities like visiting the playground or beach, watching movies, baking or getting homework help.

But they also enjoy rap sessions, going out to restaurants, having sleepovers and attending family functions.

Still it came as a big shock to her when she learned she was to be named Big Sister of the Year recently at City Hall.

She admitted she never went into the programme looking for any rewards or accolades and said: “If I do something, it’s from my heart. I’m not looking for recognition in any way, so it came as a big surprise when the call came.

“The woman from Big Brothers Big Sisters said I didn’t sound like I was very excited, so I had to explain that I don’t show that kind of emotion. Deep down, I was happy.”

Ms Simmons has been a mentor to Kijah from the very start. Then when she learned Makaila was about to lose her mentor, she stepped up to the plate to help with both sisters.

She said it’s been rewarding watching the two girls grow, develop and mature.

Kyjah started off as a quiet and shy child and didn’t have much self-confidence; while Makaila was the complete opposite.

“Over the years I have seen the girl’s personalities change for the better and they have become more confident,” she said.

“They are both more outgoing and whereas Kyjah used to hide behind Makaila like she was the voice for them, that doesn’t happen any more. Kyjah will speak out on her own now.”

Ms Simmons said mentoring the twins has reaffirmed her belief that it takes a village to raise a child.

“We can make a great impact in the life of a child when we show them we care and want for them to succeed and be productive members of society,” she said. “By mentoring a child we reduce the odds of another child ending up as a statistic.

“I have learned to accept that their interests are not mine and try to find some kind of common ground.

“It wasn’t easy at first but the irony was this extra effort and challenge ultimately proved to be a success.”

She said going forward in the relationship, she hopes both girls can develop a deeper understanding of who they are and continue to build a strong, positive bond.

She also hopes they never forget how special they are to her.

“They have made my life richer and more rewarding and I’ll be forever grateful for that.”