Social Benefits of Mentoring

Mentoring young people has many benefits that influence both individuals and whole communities. Kids who have a mentor to look up to and learn from usually hold themselves accountable and are motivated to work on themselves and set goals for their futures. Mentors boost their confidence and help them express themselves and develop better communication skills. The kids also start making stronger connections with others, handle challenges, and are able to interact with diverse people with respect and empathy. Mentoring can be especially powerful for young kids dealing with stress, poverty, or trauma. These kids usually find it hard to focus on school, struggle with self-esteem, and have problems trusting others. Having someone who believes in them and offers them emotional support and ways to cope with their circumstances can be life changing.

There are many types of mentoring. Peer mentoring allows older students to be good listeners to younger ones, give them guidance, and advise them on managing their time and improving their study habits. Teachers who mentor students can support them through personal struggles, encourage them to pursue their interests, and talk to them about possible career goals. Professional mentoring programs work through university partnerships to explain to students how specific industries work and help them make professional connections. Many community and youth organizations run youth mentoring programs, where adults volunteer to help young kids and teens with their homework, play sports with them, talk about life, and provide stability outside home. One-on-one mentoring of kids who live at refugee camps provides them with skills that they lack due to their limited resources and opportunities, as well as gives them hope for a brighter future.

Mentoring builds stronger individuals as well as kinder, more connected communities. Due to the ripple effect, many young people who were mentored end up becoming mentors themselves, passing on lessons, and spreading positivity, leadership, and the desire to succeed.