The Canadian Eritrean Youth Development Mentorship Program involves professionals across various fields providing support, advice, friendship and role modelling to the youth. Community members from a wide variety of professions and communal involvement will be trained to support mentoring and serve as positive role models for mentees. The program will run virtually for the time being and can transition to in person meetings depending on preference. Our mentors will commit to spending consistent, weekly time with their mentee participating in goal-setting, conversation and advertising and time management.

Involvement in a mentorship has the potential to have a powerful impact on youth and supports a positive, safe and inclusive culture. Mentoring relationships allow for a system of support to be developed for youth in the Eritrean community. Mentoring programs may impact a mentee’s life in a positive manner and in result may increase self-esteem, self-efficacy, improved social skills and behaviour. Mentees may feel as though they have more direction in terms of personal, professional and social development as a result of participating in the mentorship program. This program may also serve to strengthen familial relationships as mentees will be exposed to healthy coping mechanisms.

arents can also support the program by engaging with their children about their mentioning experience throughout the year as they learn.