BUILDING LIFE SKILLS FOR ADOLESCENT GIRLS THROUGH MENTORSHIP

Over the weekend, we engaged students of St. Mark Secondary School Kabwohe, in a mentorship session focused on leadership, peer pressure, discipline and mental health. The session created an opportunity for students to openly discuss challenges they experience and learn practical ways to handle them.

Young people today are growing up in a world where they are constantly faced with choices that shape their future. From the friends they keep to the decisions they make, adolescence is a critical stage that requires guidance, support and positive role models. While schools play an important role in academic development, mentorship and life skills education are equally important in helping young people become confident, responsible and resilient members of society. 

The day started with a session on leadership with the student leaders where the conversation focused on what it means to be a good leader. We reminded them that leadership is not just about having a position or being in charge of others. A good leader is someone who serves, listens, takes responsibility and sets a good example for those around them. We also discussed the importance of honesty, respect, teamwork, good communication and making responsible decisions. We encouraged them to use their positions to positively influence their fellow students and help create a school environment where everyone feels supported and valued.

After engaging with the student leaders, we met with the wider student community to discuss issues that affect young people in their everyday lives with a focus on peer pressure, discipline and mental health.

Peer pressure is a challenge many young people experience as they try to fit in and be accepted by their friends. We encouraged students to understand that they have the power to make their own decisions and that they do not have to follow others when something does not align with their values or goals. We also cautioned them to choose friends who support their growth and help them become better versions of themselves.

The discussion on discipline helped students understand that discipline is not only about following school rules. It is also about being responsible, controlling their actions, respecting others and staying committed to their dreams. We reminded them that small choices they make every day can shape their future. 

Mental health was another important session of the day. We encouraged students to always talk about their feelings, seek help when they are struggling and understand that everyone faces challenges at different points in life. We reminded them that asking for support from trusted people like teachers, mentors, friends or family members is a positive step towards taking care of their well-being. This session showed the importance of creating safe spaces where young people feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and experiences. When adolescents have someone to guide and encourage them, they are better able to overcome challenges, make informed choices and believe in their own abilities. Mentorship goes beyond giving advice, it is about walking alongside young people, listening to them and helping them discover their strengths. Through mentorship, adolescents gain confidence, develop leadership skills and learn how to handle situations they may face as they grow.

We are grateful to Girl Rising for supporting this project, which continues to provide opportunities for adolescents to access mentorship, life skills education and safe spaces for growth. When we invest in young people today, we are helping build a generation that is confident, responsible and ready to make positive contributions to their families, schools and communities. Every conversation matters and every young person deserves the support and guidance they need to rise and reach their full potential.

Compiled by; Pillar Mbabazi.