The Enhesa project, focused on mentorship and empowerment, is making strides at the local level. In November, the YMCA announced a partnership with Enhesa to create meaningful engagement programmes in key locations worldwide.
The YMCA in Setúbal, Portugal, concluded its first mentoring cycle in December, offering a meaningful opportunity for mentors and mentees to reflect on their journey together.
A collaborative mentorship journey
The programme, which paired young people with Enhesa volunteers, aimed to foster self-discovery, resilience, and confidence. The final session, held on 6 December, brought participants together in person and online to share their experiences and insights.
During the session, mentors and mentees reflected on key questions such as:
- What achievements and goals have you reached during the programme?
- What lessons will you carry into your daily life?
- What part of the programme challenged you the most, and how did you overcome it?
The discussions highlighted significant outcomes for all:
- Building self-confidence and validation: Young people felt empowered to trust their abilities and ask for help when facing challenges.
- A journey of self-discovery: Mentoring became a process of identifying strengths and unlocking potential, enabling participants to take charge of their lives.
- Breaking stereotypes: The programme encouraged young people to challenge societal norms and advocate for their own interests.
- Life skills and adaptability: Mentees developed the ability to embrace life’s unpredictability, listen to diverse opinions, and adapt their plans with flexibility.
Words of wisdom
Mentors shared advice that resonated with the mentees:
- “Whatever area you choose, try to be the best. Success will come as a result.”
- “There is no single path to happiness and fulfilling your dreams.”
The impact of the mentorship was evident in the testimonials of the young participants:
- “It made me believe in myself and my abilities and that being a Black person doesn’t stop me from pursuing higher education and a career.”
- “I learnt to listen to different opinions, make my plans more flexible to deal with life’s circumstances, and explore a wider range of options for my professional future.”
Stay tuned as we continue to share stories from the Enhesa project and other initiatives that nurture and empower young people and communities worldwide.