Emerge Lanka: Mentorship Programme
The Emerge Mentorship Programme is an important component of Emerge Lanka Foundation’s work to support young women as they gain the skills that they need to transition into society.
Mentorship enables Emerge participants to connect what they are learning through the Beads to Business and Life Skills curricula with the choices they will face once they leave the institution. It also enables girls to build trusting relationships with women role models who can inspire and support them.
Who Can Be a Mentor?
Mentors are regular people from within the community who have experience and wisdom to offer. They provide instruction, advice, support, and encouragement to their mentees. Mentors set an example for their mentees, and challenge them to surpass it. They are fun, understanding, and approachable and provide their partners with connections and information so that each girl can succeed in her transition back into society.
Emerge Lanka Foundation is seeking mentors who: are adult women, speak fluent Sinhala and/or Tamil, and have experiences with higher education, the workplace and/or taking care of a family. Ideally, our mentors would be women who have overcome obstacles in their own lives and are able to encourage and equip our girls to do the same. A knowledge of basic counseling would be an asset, but isn’t necessary to participate in the programme.
What is Required of a Mentor?
| 1) | Mentors commit to visiting their mentees once a month for at least 6 months on a chosen Saturday from 10am-12pm (2 hours). |
| 2) | Mentors attend a brief training session conducted by Emerge Lanka Foundation prior to enrollment in the program. |
| 3) | Mentors sign an agreement prior to participation that protects the confidentiality of the children and commits the mentors to positive engagement with all participants, volunteers and staff. |
| 4) | Mentors are asked to carpool, ride the bus, or provide their own transportation to and from the institution. |
| 5) | Mentors try to encourage their girls to: consider further education consider a variety of careers make goals and work towards achieving them plan for the wise use of their savings take a leadership role in their home think and act independently be creative impact their communities |
Get Involved
To sign up for the training please send an email to Nirukshi de Lanerolle, Emerge Program Coordinator, at nirukshi@emergeglobal.org. Attending the training does not obligate you to become a mentor, so it is a great way to find out more about mentoring and Emerge Lanka’s activities.
