Driving positive impact for 26 years!
Written by Maria Tonchievici, Team Leader – Mentoring Works (ELBA & BIG Alliance)
The Mentoring Works programme, delivered by ELBA in secondary schools and colleges in the boroughs of Hackney, Haringey and Newham, and by the BIG Alliance across secondary schools and colleges in Islington, has been running since 1996. Over the past 26 years the Mentoring Works programme has worked with thousands of young people and business mentors. During the 2021-22 academic year 290 students in Year 10 and Sixth Form/Post-16 were supported with the development of the knowledge, skills and competencies needed for future life by 219 mentors, from 13 ELBA and BIG Alliance corporate partners.
In their mentoring sessions the students covered a variety of topics including: CVs and applications, interview skills, presentation skills, university options, careers options and pathways, mental health & wellbeing, finding a work experience placement, networking and/or business skills, meeting professionals, school/academic work, revision, personal statements and effective study skills.
Reflecting upon their experiences, students highlighted an improvement in the following essential skills and competencies:
- 92% of students have improved their staying positive attitude
- 92% of students have improved their confidence
- 83% of students have improved their business awareness
- 83% of students have improved their speaking skills
- 75% of students have improved their listening skills
- 75% of students have improved their aiming high skills
- 75% of students have improved their leadership skills
- 75% of students have improved their problem solving skills
Furthermore, data collected has shown that:
- 100% of the students said that the mentoring programme met their expectations
- 100% of students described their mentoring experience as supportive, inspiring, insightful, motivating, uplifting and amazing
- 92% of students said that the mentoring programme helped them to get back on track with their motivation and learning after the disruption of Covid-19
- 83% of the students said that the mentoring programme helped them improve their attitude or behaviour
- 75% of students said the mentoring programme helped them improve their attendance at school/college.
- 75% of students said the mentoring programme helped them improve their grades
Quotes from mentors included:
“Every session with my mentee has been full of energy and commitment, leaving me feeling uplifted and rewarded each time.”
“Realisation that you can actually establish a connection with the teenager without ever seeing them in person. My mentee is very bright, she has not skipped any session and it’s been beautiful to observe her opening up.”
Quotes from beneficiaries were equally positive:
“My mentor was very kind and respectful toward me. His communication skills were very good, as our sessions were fun to talk and discuss together and were not boring or awkward. He was very honest and understanding, whilst discussing during our sessions, it was a very good experience.”
“My mentor was patient with me, offering guidance and always helping me to improve and be the best version of myself. I think she is and will be a great mentor to other people and I’m glad that I had the chance to get to know her and it was a pleasure to have someone like her to discuss various subjects that we both were interested in. And I thank you for creating this programme, it really changes people and guides them into doing better!”
When asked about the programme, a school coordinator said:
“It has been great to see the students’ confidence build as they have participated in the programme. I feel it has enhanced their desire to achieve and has also encouraged many of them to put themselves forward for positions of leadership (several of the students who were on the mentoring programme are now School Prefects).”
And a company coordinator said:
“It’s really nice to hear when our volunteers have really good interactions and build relationships with the mentees, and you hear stories directly from them. It’s a much-needed programme.”
Proceeding into our 27th consecutive year, we look forward to supporting more young people and making a positive impact in their lives. Mentoring aids social mobility, increases future earnings, provides social capital and invaluable insights and experiences. Again and again these benefits have been reinforced by the students looking ahead to their future and eagerly applying them in their lives.
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