Clare Mello - Executive Director

Executive Summary

The Continuum of Mentoring

In the field of Positive Youth Development (PYD) research states that children can benefit from additional support of peers and adults throughout their lives, beginning as early as five, (5) and continuing through to young adult hood, (22). At YouthNet we believe that “At every stage of your life you have something of value to share with a child”.

As YouthNet expands it mentoring programme to reach its goal of 1000 students by 2010 we focus on building the continuum of mentoring. Our aim is provide mentoring support to children from ages 5 (P1) to 22 (College). By diversifying the types of mentoring we offer we are in a position to achieve that.

In support of our vision, the goal is to provide students access to a mentoring relationship throughout their school life. Enhancing each stage of their journey by connecting them to one or more mentors with whom they can build and sustain meaningful relationships. In addition, broadening the students’ mentor experience making it more relevant to each stage of their education. The benefits of this approach are numerous and are noted in the table below.

All young people possess strengths. If strengths of young people can be aligned with the strengths of adults & peers (mentors) in a positive and nurturing environment, then young people can achieve their potential and more.