Mentor Development Programme

Overview

Mentorship is a key component of YearBeyond’s youth development model. In light of this, the Mentor Development Programme was established to identify and train YeBo Alumni to become Programme Mentors. This serves to ensure that YearBeyond has a pipeline of qualified individuals to deliver the programme across its network of Implementing Partners.

YeBo Alumni who are accepted into the Mentor Development Programme will undergo a 3-year developmental journey.

Year 1: YeBo Academy Student

Students will be hosted by a YearBeyond Implementing Partner and assigned to a Programme Mentor, whom they will shadow and support throughout the year. During this time, they will also attend training blocks, complete assignments, participate in exchanges, support YearBeyond events, and champion the YeBo culture.

The four Cape Town residential training blocks in year 1 of the Mentorship Development Programme are:

  • Block 1: Training and Facilitation – During this block, students will be equipped with adult learning facilitation techniques in order to deliver magical training; there is an emphasis on mindful and respectful engagement with young people.

  • Block 2: Project Coordination and Administration – Students will learn project management and administration principles for organisational efficiency.

  • Block 3: Coaching Conversations – This block introduces the fundamental skills and tools to lead dynamic coaching conversations with young people to support their development.

  • Block 4: Leading Social Change – Students proactively develop the skills to lead and manage diverse teams in a community development context.

    Students will be allocated a dedicated coach and earn an allowance to support them during the year.

A glimpse into Year 1 of the Mentor Development Programme

Year 2: Programme Mentor Internship

YeBo Academy Students are employed as Student Mentors at Implementing Partners, where they will manage their own cluster of YeBoneers.

This period focuses on the consolidation of skills developed in Year 1, with additional assignment submissions. If assessed as competent, Student Mentors will graduate from the YeBo Academy at the end of Year 2.

Year 3: Work-Back Period

YeBo Academy Graduates are employed at Implementing Partners. All graduates are expected to work at least a full year as a Programme Mentor, with the hope that they are retained by Implementing Partners in the long term. This is dependent on Mentor positions available.