What is more, it can benefit the mentor as much as the mentee: “There is a deep satisfaction that comes from knowing you have helped someone see their potential – especially when they couldn't see it themselves.”
This was the message from Professor Zoleka Soji (right) when she presented the keynote address at the Vision4 Women Appreciation Dinner held at the Marine Hotel in Gqeberha on Saturday, 30 November.
The Director of the School of Behavioural and Lifestyle Sciences in the Faculty of Health Sciences at Nelson Mandela University holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Social Development Professions and has a special interest in youth transitions, resilience, families and communities.
“Being a guiding light creates a ripple effect – one of the most powerful aspects of mentorship,” said Prof Soji.
“When you guide someone, you give them the tools to move forward in life, to succeed, and in turn the impact of your guidance extends far beyond the individual.
“It echoes through their families, through communities and in our society.
“When we share our light, it doesn't just brighten one's life – it has the potential to illuminate the lives of many, creating a network of support, growth and encouragement.”
Founded by Nosi Ncoyo (right) in 2011, Vision4 Women runs a year-long high school mentorship programme to support girls from under-resourced schools to achieve personal and academic goals.
It includes camps, workshops and events to enhance life-skills and encourage the participants to reach their full potential.
Ncoyo said that 2024 had been a wonderful year for Vision4 Women, and thanked the volunteers– many longstanding – who help these girls succeed academically and personally.
Originally only offered in Gqeberha, the programme has expanded to Kariega and, this year for the first time, to Humansdorp as well.
Mentors are volunteers who include professionals, businesswomen and others who wish to “pay it forward” to the next generation.
They attend training and induction and each is “matched” with one matric learner. A younger group of mentors, known as Destiny Helpers, also receive training and run a group mentorship programme with Grade 10 and 11 learners.
The impact of the Vision4 Women programme was highlighted when Destiny Helper group leader Asemahle Ntingo (left), who was mentored from Grade 10, provided her perspective.
Ntingo never dreamt that she would study after school but now is in her third year of studies in Information Technology at Mandela University.
Cowan High School teacher Roundy Kula said that she, too, had seen the impact of the mentorship programme in her pupils, boosting their confidence and letting them know that they were “destined for greatness”. She wished that more girls could take part.
School principals and teachers are consulted and asked to select a minimum of three learners from Grade 10 to be part of the three-year programme. Vision4 Women interviews each applicant to select those who meet the criteria.
No girl pays to be on the programme, and no mentor receives payment for their contribution, so funding does limit the number accepted.
Longstanding mentor Connie Hoffman spoke out on how important it was to get to know the family of the girls who were mentored, so that the mentor and parents could work together.
Vision4 Women mentorship has had an overwhelmingly positive impact on pupils, mentors, teachers and parents:
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More than 90% of the Vision4 Women girls pass their matric;
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Mentees achieve numerous distinctions;
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60% matriculate with a bachelor pass.
Prof Soji said that too many young people suffered from “a lack of belief in oneself, a lack of belief in their ability to succeed in relationships, in life and in school”.
“Without a guiding, patient and affirming presence many fall by the wayside. In such instances, a mentor may be that much needed outside source of support, motivation and guidance – a guiding light,” she said.
“It is more than just offering advice or wisdom. it is about showing up for others in meaningful ways and helping them see what they might not yet be able to see in themselves.
“We all need a light to show us the way whether in our personal lives, in our careers and in moments of great change.”
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See Vision4 Women’s Facebook page, “Visionfourwomen”, for more information.
Queries to: Gillian McAinsh, gillian@gmcainsh.co.za, 0718501662