"A mentor is someone who allows you to see the hope inside yourself."

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- Oprah Winfrey

International research shows that young people want three things:

Be cared for…They want to feel safe and secure. To be surrounded by people who are positive influences and will appreciate and accept them for who they are. 

Feel valued…The more they are valued the more positive self worth they feel. This comes by fun interaction with peers and adults. 

Life has purpose…They want to know that their life has significance. This comes by encouragement to explore opportunities in and out of school, commitment to learning and guidance to develop a positive view of the future.

 

Youth mentoring programmes are proven to have a significant impact on the lives of young people. 

This includes helping mentees with: 

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•  an improved self-image 

• development of positive values

• making positive life choices

• realising their potential

• exposure to positive new experiences such as community involvement and different activities

• proven relational benefits such as helping mentees to improve their communication and conflict resolution skills

• young people with strong mentors are also less likely to become involved in criminal activity, drug taking, alcohol abuse, leave school early, and their academic performance often improves. 

 

Ultimately, mentoring connects a young person to personal growth and development, and social and economic opportunity. 

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Fun Fact: We also think it is pretty cool that research  shows it is common for mentees to want to go on and serve as mentors themselves. This  further demonstrates  the powerful effect of mentoring and shows that mentees are empowered to contribute to the world around them.

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