In Sierra Leone, empowering youth goes beyond providing education, it equips them with the skills and knowledge necessary to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. Mentoring sessions play a pivotal role in this process, allowing boys and girls to develop increased financial, life, and health skills while fostering motivation, confidence, and resilience.

Mentoring is a guiding light for young people navigating challenging life transitions, offering support in dealing with stressful changes at home, critical decision-making, problem-solving, and transitioning to adulthood. Through mentoring, youth are empowered to grow and become the best versions of themselves, overcoming internal challenges and setting ambitious goals for their future.

The impact of mentoring programs on the lives of vulnerable youth is profound. Participants demonstrate better school attendance, a higher likelihood of pursuing higher education, and a more positive attitude toward school than non-mentored peers. Moreover, mentoring strengthens positive social attitudes and peer relationships, fostering trust and communication with parents.

At Develop Africa, we recognize the transformative power of mentoring. Our mentors generously volunteer their time to guide and inspire mentees, showing them the art of the possible and opening their eyes to the exceptional future. Through mentoring, mentees are encouraged to explore their potential, break free from limiting beliefs, and envision a brighter future for themselves.

"A mentor is someone who allows you to see the hope inside yourself." - Oprah Winfrey

The success of the girls' mentoring program in 2021 prompted the expansion to include boys' mentoring sessions in 2022. These monthly sessions cover various topics, including self-esteem, goal-setting, time management, reproductive health, leadership, financial literacy, and more. The impact of these sessions has been significant, empowering both girls and boys to develop essential skills and make informed decisions about their future.

In 2023, mentoring sessions continued to cover essential topics such as drug abuse, beadwork, financial literacy, health and wellness, public relations, and marketing strategies, providing valuable knowledge and skills to youth. By investing in mentoring as part of essential education, we are breaking the cycle of poverty and empowering a generation of resilient, confident leaders who will positively influence their communities and nation.

“The best teachers are those who tell you where to look – but don’t tell you what to see.”
– Alexandra K.Trenfor

2023 Boys & Girls Mentoring Sessions

January 2023-Mentoring sessions focused on drug abuse. https://developafrica.smugmug.com/2023/Boys-Girls-Mentoring-January-2023

February 2023- Mentoring Sessions focused on Beadwork and Tailoring-https://developafrica.smugmug.com/2023/Girls-Boys-Mentoring-Session-February-2023/i-Zw2Dgvq

March 2023- Mentoring Session Topic was Financial Literacy-https://developafrica.smugmug.com/2023/Boys-Girls-Mentoring-March-2023

April 2023-The Boys & Girls mentoring session's topic was Health and wellness-https://developafrica.smugmug.com/2023/April-2023-Boys-Girls-Mentoring

May 2023-The Boys & Girls mentoring session's topic was Public Relations & Marketing Strategies- https://developafrica.smugmug.com/2023/May-2023-Boys-Girls-Mentoring-Session

October 2023--The Boys & Girls mentoring session topics were photograph & Makeup Artistry-https://developafrica.smugmug.com/Oct-2023-Girls-Boys-Mentoring-Sessions

Your support for mentoring initiatives in Sierra Leone is crucial in building a brighter future for youth. Together, we can create a ripple effect of positive change, transforming the trajectory of Sierra Leone's future leaders and fostering sustainable development for generations to come.

Thank you for investing in the youth of Sierra Leone and being a catalyst for positive change.

Help provide mentoring with a donation today.

Mentoring transforms lives by providing guidance, support, and encouragement to young people, helping them navigate the challenges of adolescence and emerge as confident, capable adults.