YWCA Auckland on the look out for mentors

January 2015

Media release

YWCA Auckland on the look out for mentors to help shape young women

Few programmes in New Zealand provide long-term, individualised mentoring on a one to one basis. The opportunity for that kind of mentoring for young women from disadvantaged backgrounds is even less common. That’s what makes YWCA Auckland’s Future Leaders programme so unique, and why they’re looking to recruit more women with the skills and experience needed to make a real difference in the lives of young women.

Flat Bush resident Kendal Collins is one such woman making a real difference. Kendal spent four years working as a school social worker at Otahuhu College before joining the Future Leaders programme as a coordinator last year. She’s now urging women with similar backgrounds in social work, counselling or teaching to become mentors, with the next round of mentor training happening in early 2015.

The Future Leaders programme was created to provide young women with skills development, new experiences and opportunities to support them in achieving their goals. This four year individualised leadership programme sees a young woman paired with a volunteer mentor, with activities and workshops planned throughout the year by YWCA Auckland.

Kendal says the kind of woman best suited to Future Leaders is “a woman who is passionate about making a difference in a young woman’s life. A bit of experience with youth, whether it be with your own children, in your work environment, or through your studies, would be perfect.”

Mentors are asked to commit to at least two years in the programme, to ensure continuity for the young women, many of whom have not always had reliable adult role models. “Women need to have the patience and time to guide a young woman during the two to four years of the programme – after all, time is what is most important to a young person,” says Kendal.

The benefits aren’t one-sided either. “Even though it is about helping and guiding the Future Leader, you will find yourself learning a lot from them. They will challenge your own values and ideas, and will open you up to a whole other world,” says Kendal. The programme can also help in a professional sense, providing individual and professional development for those who work with youth in a fun and positive way. “Being a mentor is a very rewarding role. You will have a positive impact on somebody’s life, help them to achieve their goals and watch them grow over the years,” adds Kendal.

Glenda Hoffman, who in 2014 won the Mentor of the Year award for the programme, agrees. “You find out so much about how young people think. If you haven’t got kids, it’s a great experience, but even if you do, it’s great to do something for the community, and watch them grow into amazing young women.” Glenda, a primary school teacher, is adamant that becoming a mentor is such a fantastic experience, she would recommend it to anyone.

The next round of mentor training will be happening in early 2015, and will match mentors with students from Onehunga High School and Mt Roskill Grammar School. Mentors over the age of 25 from all over Auckland are welcome.

Become a Future Leaders mentor today! Contact the Future Leaders Team Leader Kelsi Cox on 09 522 8219 or via kelsi@akywca.org.nz to find out how you can make a difference in a young woman’s life.

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Editor’s Note:

About YWCA Auckland

YWCA Auckland are driven to give women the opportunity to realise better futures, and believe that every woman deserves choice. As an organisation, they understand the issues which impact on Auckland women, and work closely with businesses and communities to offer positive solutions to these.

YWCA Auckland is part of the world’s largest women’s organisation, a global network of 25 million women leading social and economic change in over 125 countries worldwide. YWCA Auckland are passionate advocates of young women’s leadership development, and what we do makes a real difference in New Zealand women’s lives.

We have a proud heritage of providing free community programmes in Auckland for over 125 years, which enable women to maximise their potential in an environment that values equality and diversity.

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