Education is life-changing. But for many of the women and girls we work with, education alone is not enough to thrive. When girls are connected with a mentor, they gain a trusted source of support. A mentor can guide them through challenges, help them develop problem-solving skills, and connect them to new people and opportunities. Over time, the women and girls we work with can gain the resources, skills, and confidence they need to develop personal agency and reach their full potential.
Many of the women and girls studying in our programmes have experienced various traumas and stresses that lead them to live in "survival mode." Living in survival mode can damage executive function skills, which enable us to filter distractions, prioritise tasks, and achieve our goals. This makes learning very difficult. Furthermore, many of these girls may be the first in their family to pursue higher education. They need a trusted individual to help them navigate new challenges.
Every woman and girl in our programmes is paired with a mentor. Mentoring helps girls develop and strengthen their executive function skills, so they can problem solve more efficiently, avoid burnout, and meet deadlines. A mentor also gives a girl someone to turn to in challenging times, so she doesn't feel alone. Mentoring has been shown to decrease drop-out rates and boost confidence in students. With a mentor, girls can get the most out of their studies and be set up for a successful future.
Mentoring sets girls up with the skills and confidence they need for long-term success, so that more girls are likely to graduate from school and develop rewarding careers. A quality education paired with mentoring can lead vulnerable girls to become women who are able to make informed decisions, advocate for themselves, and reach their goals. These girls can become leaders in their communities, and break the cycle of poverty for themselves and their families.
