Mentorship Is Not a Fix- It’s a Foundation

There’s a pattern we see far too often when it comes to the way adults approach young people. They tend to wait. They wait until something pops up. Until behaviour becomes “challenging,” grades drop, or something feels off before they respond. Unfortunately, the response is almost always advice and/or punishments. If the young person is lucky, they might instead get whisked off to speak to someone who will “fix” them. Often, they’re not, and rarely do they get to experience a positive mentorship experience.

What would a different approach look like? Well, it would definitely begin by understanding the following simple truth: Mentorship isn’t a rescue plan. It’s a growth plan.

Mentorship is not only for “at-risk” or “problem children” (a harmful and limiting label in itself). It’s not a last resort or a one-time medicine to correct misbehaviour either. Instead, mentorship is a steady hand, a listening ear, and a trusted guide – not just for those who are struggling, but for any young person standing at the threshold of who they’re becoming.

And if we’re being honest, every young person is standing at that threshold.

The most effective mentorship approach isn’t swooping in when things go wrong. It’s stepping in before then – when things are going right. Because that’s when frameworks are built. That’s when values are shaped. That’s when decisions start to take root quietly; in the everyday spaces of life. When mentorship is done right, a young person doesn’t just hear what to do; they learn how to think, how to choose, and how to act with confidence and clarity.

We’ve seen this firsthand at Nawiri Experiences. When young people are surrounded by the right mentors i.e intentional adults who model grounded, values-based decision-making, they come ALIVE. They find language for what they’re feeling and they learn how to navigate life ups and downs with purpose. When that kind of mentorship happens in a community that is built to reinforce it, something incredible occurs: the young people begin to encourage each other. It becomes a positive cycle. The group rises together and the community becomes even stronger.

This ripple effect is powerful. It doesn’t only change individuals, it strengthens families, classrooms, and communities. We’ve seen boys and girls experience a positive mentorship experience then turn around and look for ways to  support others. And while structured mentorship programs like ours make this process intentional and scalable, the truth is: anyone can be that kind of presence. A teacher who listens. A parent who intentionally guides instead of just giving orders or a youth worker who consistently shows up.

Intentionality is where it all begins.

Here’s something worth remembering: it’s not only those who are struggling who need mentorship. It’s often the kids who seem okay that grow the most when someone takes the time to really invest. Like Michael* (not his real name), who didn’t join our program because of any crisis per se but because of our encouragement, he chose to run for a leadership position at his school for the first time. He just needed a well crafted conversation on being the change you want to see and some encouragement.

In summary, let’s stop treating mentorship like an ambulance and start using it like a compass. Everyone wins when we stop waiting for trouble and start walking intentionally with the citizens of tomorrow.