Why I Am Creating Mentoring Opportunities For Young People in Nigeria

January is the International Mentoring Month, a campaign to promote youth mentoring. It focuses on the need for adult mentors to connect more with young people especially those that are socially excluded.

Mentoring is a relationship between two individuals based on a mutual desire for development towards career goals and objectives. It is usually in an informal setting. It bridges the gap between older people and young people to establish common ground.

Studies have shown that mentoring help young people stay focused on their goals and avoid potential difficulties associated with emerging adulthood. Positive mentoring is of a great benefit especially for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds as they are more likely to get an education if they have a mentor. Also, a mentored youth is more likely to volunteer, take leadership position and become a mentor according to this report.

I started a mentoring hangout to connect young people in Nigeria to outstanding individuals who share their life stories with the participants, interact with the participants on an individual base and provide guidance for their life especially with regards to discovering their potentials, building their confidence and creating a share connection to network and grow.

My goal is to build a movement of social workers, coaches, teachers, family friends, donors, supporters from the public and private sectors who believe that mentoring is a critical asset. I want to connect every young person to a support network that will build meaningful relationships.

The first mentoring hangout this year was focused on Goal setting and Getting Clarity for the year and Adepeju Jaiyeoba, the founder of the Brown Buttons Foundation and a Nelson Mandela Washington fellow was our guest. The next hangout is on the 12th of February and we will be hosting two award winning entrepreneurs who will share their entrepreneurial journey and also provide guidance as we go on our own path.

If you are interested in the February 12th hangout, kindly leave your email address.