What is Mentoring?
The word "mentor" comes from the Greek word for "steadfast" and "enduring." Mentoring is the one-to-one or group relationship that one or more adults develop with one or more young people to help them develop and succeed.
Mentoring is most effective when it’s a structured and trusting relationship that brings young people together with caring individuals who offer guidance, support and encouragement.
Does mentoring make a difference?
All children have the potential to succeed in life and contribute to society. However, not all children get the support they need to thrive. Consider the many benefits mentoring offers, including:
- Improving self-esteem
- Keeping young people in school
- Helping to improve academic skills
- Leading young people to resources they might not find on their own
- Providing support for new behaviors, attitudes and ambitions
- Increasing young people's ability to seek and keep jobs
- Enhancing parenting skills
(Source: http://www.mentoring.org/runaprogram)
Numerous studies have shown that mentoring makes a difference on the lives of youth. Just take a look at the research.
What is a mentor? A mentor is...
- A trusted friend and guide (usually someone senior in age with different life experiences).
- A caring, responsible adult who provides access to people, places and things outside the mentee's everyday environment.
- A positive role model -- someone the youth can aspire to be like; someone who can help the youth be whoever he/she wants to be.
- Mentors must understand that they cannot be all things to their mentees. Quite often, when mentors run into problems in their relationships it is because the mentor, the mentee, or the parent/legal guardian did not understand the proper role of a mentor.
A mentor is NOT a...
- Parent/legal guardian.
- Social worker.
- Psychologist or psychiatrist.
A mentor should serve as a resource by showing the mentee how to access services and support, rather than provide those services for him or her.
Key qualities of a good mentor:
- Good listener
- Consistent
- Committed
- Patient