Mentoring – What does it mean??
Mentoring is a powerful tool for helping young people fulfill their
potential. It is a structured and trusting relationship that brings young
people together with caring individuals who offer guidance, support, advice,
friendship, reinforcement and encouragement.
Mentoring provides a young person security, reassurance that there is
someone who cares about them; that they are not alone.
Why Mentor??
An estimated 17.6 million young people, nearly half the population of
young people between 10 and 18 years of age, live in situations that put
them at risk of not living up to their potential. These young people, the
next generation, are our future, the leaders, educators, physicians,
scientist, and barristers of tomorrow. Without the assistance and
direction of caring adults they could make choices that not only undermine
their futures, but, ultimately, the economic and social well-being of our
nation.
Simply put, MENTORING WORKS. It has proven to be a successful tool at
positively changing lives. Research has shown that mentoring can help by:
- Improving young people’s attitudes towards their parents, peers and teachers;
- Encouraging students to stay motivated and focused on their education;
- Providing a positive way for young people to spend free time;
- Helping young people face daily challenges;
- Offering young people opportunities to consider new career paths and get much-needed economic skills and knowledge.
potential.
* Excerpts from Mentoring.org (http://www.mentoring.org), published by the National Mentoring Partnership.
