A mentor is a friend, a guide, or someone who is more experienced in a particular domain and who is willing to inspire, and instill positive behaviors and mindset, to someone less experienced in that area. My approach as I was selected as a mentor for the MNN Mentors Network, was totally different from what a mentor really ought to be. I joined in with the intention of learning, sharing and getting to know more from and about my mentees, than to simply influence. Surprisingly enough, the mentees I was assigned were very engaged persons and even had some experience in our shared and common area of interest already.

Although, I knew it was going to be quite a challenge, as it is not easy among many other things we are doing, to always stay committed. If there were anything that would have prevented me from joining this mentoring program, it would be time. But, as in friendship, we are never busy enough to spare time for the people we care about. That is to me, the essence in itself of mentoring, and the magic thing about it.

I would encourage anyone with the capacity to join the MNN Mentors’ Network to do so, as it is it an opportunity for learning, sharing and getting to know some talented, passionate and dynamic young people from East Africa and beyond. It is an opportunity for collaboration and network among African youths, with the possibility for reaching greatness in different areas of life.

MNN has done well putting in place this learning and mentoring program; mostly, in the midst of a pandemic that requires people and nations to adopt more inclusive and synergized actions, and joint-efforts, in order to survive and to grow together out of this situation.