INFORMATION BOOKLET
SHARING KNOWLEDGE When young people get engaged in a mentor ship program , they attain a shift towards the corporate world. By engaging local and international professionals as mentors , these individuals improve their leadership and management skills as well as preparing potential recruits for their own Organizations without incurring recruitment costs. Mentors help their mentees to grow into responsible citizens but most into incredible human resources.
THE PROGRAM RATIONALE
Active Youth Africa is offering the corporate sector a strategic approach to addressing talent attraction and talent retention issues that are affecting their bottom line. When young people get engaged in our Career Mentorship program, a shift begins towards a corporate culture of belonging and understanding that is attractive to the top talent in a diverse marketplace. By engaging as mentors, local business professionals improve their leadership and management skills, develop intercultural competencies and have 'no strings attached' opportunities to assess potential recruits for their organizations without incurring professional development or recruitment costs. Mentors help prepare mentees to be more effective in their job search and to improve their job readiness by introducing them to professional networks and providing advice related to their chosen professions. A mentor does not find the mentee a job.
THE MODEL We believe that Increasing access to mentor ship opportunities through an online platform - brings a connection between young people and business leaders which in turn improves employment opportunities in an affordable way and results in greater value added to the economy.
The Career Mentor ship Program is structured in the following way: We have an online platform to which our mentors and mentees subscribe upon invitation by the administrator. 1.We recruit corporate partners within the business sector – Career Mentors. 2. We match mentors and mentees based on compatibilities in education, work experience, career goals 3.Separate orientation sessions conducted for mentors and mentees. 4.Upon successful completion of the orientation, the first online meeting between mentors and mentees is facilitated. 5.Mentors and mentees work together as planned through online interactions. Active Youth Africa provides on-going support throughout the duration of the mentor ship relationship as required. we also contacts the mentor and mentee periodically to monitor the relationship and ensure the set objectives are being reached. 6.An evaluation survey is completed by both mentor and mentee once the mentor ship relationship ends. 7.A grand mentor ship fair is held to bring together the mentors and mentees for the first time.
THE MENTEE Who is a Mentee? Mentees can be students , unemployed youths who have the knowledge and skills needed to get a job but lack the experience to succeed in the workplace, and need the opportunity to build professional networks. A mentee wants to work with an established professional; seeking information, knowledge, advice and support required to achieve certain career goals. How can I enroll to be a Mentee in the Career Mentor ship Program? Mentees are welcome from most professions. To apply to participate as a mentee, please complete a sign up form on our website http://www.activeyouthafrica.org/#!services2/c2yp.
Benefits of being a Mentee The mentor-mentee relationship is often the first link in a newcomer's professional network that opens doors to career opportunities. Mentees gain: ·An understanding of workplace culture ·Increased confidence ·Knowledge of self marketing techniques ·An opportunity to build professional networks ·Access to career and labor market information, and Well defined career development objectives
THE MENTOR
Who is a Mentor
What you will Do
Like a new staff member, young talent needs time to learn the 'ropes', become familiar with workplace culture and understand labor market issues.
The greatest thing a mentor can do for a mentee is to encourage and convey a sincere belief in the mentee's ability to succeed. The mentor-mentee relationship is often first link in a newcomer's professional network that opens doors to career opportunities for them. We shall always request our mentors to support the mentees to attain self belief and confidence in whatever they set out to do.
A mentor provides insights into local employment practices, market conditions and opportunities to help a mentee increase employability, knowledge and networks.
Mentors shall not be required to get jobs for the mentees but we would leave that to the mentor to decide according to the mentee’s potential and working relationship.
Are you ready to become a mentor? A mentor will: ·be interested in professional development ·be established in his/her profession ·be sensitive to employment issues for skilled youths ·want to contribute to the success of global talent in his/her profession ·be connected to professional and/or business networks ·have good interpersonal and communication skills ·have some insights about the labor market for his or her profession ·be available for at least 2 hours a week
Benefits
A mentor is an experienced professional who shares his or her experience and wisdom to help a mentee reach important career goals.
By participating in the Career Mentor ship Program ,mentors support and foster the integration of skilled youths so that they can attain their full potential. Mentors also benefit from the mentor-mentee relationship in the following ways: ·Enhanced leadership and coaching skills ·Increased confidence and professional growth ·Links to a diversified talent pool ·Give back and feel good!
To be a mentor :Mentors are welcome from most professions. To apply to participate as a mentor Please contact us on activeyouthafrica@gmail.com