Mentoring

Lubuto mentoring programs help young people develop confidence, the ability to set and achieve goals, and a strong network of supportive peers. Mentoring programs, targeted to vulnerable adolescents and offered weekly at all libraries, focus on sexual and reproductive health education, gender equity, leadership development, and values in 8-week cycles. Mentoring facilitators use a discussion-based methodology that includes storytelling and opportunities for youth to share their own experiences and reflections, making each cycle of mentoring unique and resulting in high repeat participation even among mentoring “graduates,” who often show up to help as peer leaders for subsequent cycles. Career speakers at mentoring sessions inspire vulnerable youth to stay in school and to develop ambitious plans for their futures, while periodic field trips to meet with women in leadership positions at institutions in and around Lusaka broaden the horizons of young people, especially girls, to imagine themselves in a variety of careers and leadership roles. Sexual and reproductive health topics are extended through the on-site provision of HIV testing and counseling, conducted by partner clinics at the libraries immediately following the mentoring curriculum unit on HIV prevention.

Stories