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TEENS MENTORSHIP CAMP: INSPIRING THE NEXT GENERATION

Last week we hosted a teens mentorship camp ahead of school re-opening to equip young people with knowledge, skills and tools that will help them thrive but also prepare them for the new term. It was such a memorable and impactful event which brought together teenagers that are in school, vacists and mentors. The event focused on four themes i.e. leadership, goal setting, online safety, building healthy relationships and effective communication. We incorporated some games to make it so engaging and have active participation from all participants.

 

Teenage years are a critical time for growth, self-discovery and decision-making. It is during this phase that individuals begin to form the habits, values and visions that shape their future. Unfortunately, many teenagers face challenges like peer pressure, online risks and a lack of role models, leaving them vulnerable to negative influences. This is where mentorship plays a transformative role. Our #TeensWithMentors program offers teenagers guidance from experienced mentors who provide direction, inspire confidence and share valuable life lessons. The goal is to equip teens with the tools they need to navigate life challenges and take full charge of their future.

 

The session on goal setting emphasizing the importance of having clear objectives. It was so engaging with the mentors sharing their personal experiences and how their goals got into reality. The facilitator emphasized the SMART approach when setting goals. Young people must embrace goals and objectives that are specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and are time bound.  Participants were encouraged to set ambitious goals but break them into manageable steps and stay consistent until they can achieve them. This session ended with an exciting activity where participants were tasked to draw their vision boards. 

 

Each participant created a board with images and drawings representing their short and long-term goals. This visual representation not only made the process exciting but also served as a reminder of their aspirations and we are happy to walk this journey with them. 

 

Leadership was another theme for the day as mentors guided the mentees on the qualities of good leaders. Young people must understand that leadership is not just about holding a title but about influencing others positively, inspiring change and taking responsibility. This session focused on nurturing leadership qualities in teenagers, equipping them with the confidence to lead in their schools, communities and future workplaces. Through group discussions, participants identified traits like empathy, resilience, humility and effective communication as qualities of great leaders. 

 

They were inspired by stories of young leaders who have made remarkable contributions to their communities. This session helped them to discover their potential and were encouraged to always do good both at home, school and in their communities.

 

We had a session on building healthy relationships and effective communication as a key to a fulfilling life. Healthy relationships are important for emotional well-being and personal growth and this session focused on equipping participants with the knowledge and skills they need to build healthy relationships both online and offline, how to form and maintain positive connections with family, friends and peers or even strangers.  Participants were taught how to recognize the qualities of a positive relationship, such as respect, communication and mutual support. Teenagers were taught the importance of setting and respecting boundaries in all relationships. Through interactive exercises, they practiced assertive communication to express their needs and feelings without fear. They also learnt the importance of expressing themselves clearly and listening actively to others. This session included an open forum where participants asked questions anonymously, creating a safe space for discussing sensitive topics and mentors responded and offering guidance to help them navigate life.  

 

We concluded with a session on online safety to equip participants with skills that will help them navigate the internet wisely especially in today’s digital age where teenagers spend so much time online and this exposes them to risks like cyberbullying, online predators and misinformation. The session on online safety provided practical advice to help teenagers protect themselves in the digital space. Mentors shared real life stories to highlight common online threats like scams, catfishing and cyberbullying and participants were taught to identify red flags, like suspicious messages or unsolicited friend requests. They were encouraged to be careful before posting, sharing or commenting, as these actions can affect their reputation and future opportunities. 

 

As we reflect on this camp, we are reminded of the power of mentorship and the importance of investing in the younger generation. Through events like #TeensWithMentors, we commit to creating platforms for young people for meaningful interactions, shaping them into empowered individuals who will contribute positively to their communities. We appreciate all the mentors that shared their knowledge and expertise with young people. We Rise By Lifting Others.

Ongoing mentorship session:

Incorporating games to make the day more exciting and keeping the participants active

Some of the teenagers explaining their vision boards.