Mentorship at Amos Youth Centre: Guiding Growth, Shaping Futures
By Annabel Mumba
Annabel Mumba is AYC’s Donor Relations Coordinator. She is a Scholarship Fund recipient, and a graduate of Mulungushi University with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications (Journalism), and also one of our Success Stories.
Co-written by Pamela O’Brien, African Education Program’s Development Director, who is mentoring Annabel.
Every year, Amos Youth Centre (AYC) joins the global community in recognizing January as National Mentoring Month, a time dedicated to celebrating the individuals who pour their time, wisdom, and compassion into guiding others. At our Learning & Leadership Centre in Kafue, Zambia, mentorship is more than just a program; it is a transformative pathway that builds confidence, shapes futures, and strengthens entire communities.
Mentorship is the backbone of every program at AYC. It is woven into how we support young people academically, socially, and emotionally, ensuring that both mentees and mentors grow through shared learning, trust, and purpose.
Blessings mentoring experience brought out leadership qualities.
Blessings: From Mentee to Leader
When Blessings first joined the Learning & Leadership Centre in Grade 8, she was introduced to mentorship for the first time. Now in Grade 11, her journey reflects the long-term impact of consistent guidance and support. Through her years at AYC, she has received mentorship at every stage of her academic and personal development.
Currently a trained Senior Peer Educator in AYC’s Peer-to-Peer Education Program, Blessings has benefited from mentors who walked alongside her, particularly during critical moments such as preparing for her Grade 9 examinations.
Through this experience, Blessings has learned that mentorship is more than acquiring hard and soft skills, it is about growth, accountability, and becoming the best version of oneself. Hard skills are teachable, job-specific abilities such as program and activity facilitation, life skills, and digital literacy, while soft skills are transferable personal traits such as communication, leadership, teamwork, and collaboration.
“As a mentee, I have learned to listen, learn, and apply the knowledge I get to grow, make better decisions, and level up,” Blessings shared. “Mentorship is when someone shares their experience and wisdom to guide and educate others on how to go.”
James enjoys being a Mentor Facilitator.
James: Mentoring With Purpose
James is also a Mentor Facilitator Intern under the Peer-to-Peer Education Program that is led in collaboration with Gold Youth Development Agency, a South African organization whose goal is to develop 10 million young African leaders with character and integrity to mobilize their generation with the knowledge, tools and support to reach their full potential, with concrete results in social behaviour change, education and job creation. Having once been a mentee himself, James understands firsthand what it means to lead, and to lead with excellence.
Working with 200 peer educators across three AYC sites, James has learned to mentor with intention and purpose.
“I view mentorship as guiding and supporting someone through their personal growth journey, significantly being a guiding force in their life,” James shared.
As a facilitator, James plays a pivotal role in leading conversations on critical youth issues such as drug abuse, teenage pregnancy, and HIV/AIDS. Together with his team, he facilitates workshops, discussions, surveys, and weekly sessions to ensure young people receive consistent guidance and support.
“I love sharing the insight that I have with the students I interact with daily. I have gone through secondary school, and I understand the pressure teenagers face. It is an honour to guide them.”
Mentoring brings out the confidence in Thandizani.
Thandizani: Discovering Confidence Through Mentorship
Mentorship often opens doors to self-discovery, shifting perspectives and transforming how young people see themselves. This is true for Thandizani, a Grade 11 student and Senior Peer Educator.
Once shy and timid, Thandizani discovered his passion for public speaking through the encouragement and guidance of his mentors. Today, he confidently commands crowds, leads discussions, and inspires his peers.
“Mentorship to me is about investing in the growth and development of others, guiding them to discover their potential and empowering them to become the best version of themselves. Being a mentee means accepting support and wisdom to help me navigate my journey and achieve my goals.”
Mary: A New Beginning
Mary, a Grade 9 student, joined the Learning & Leadership Centre just last year. As someone new to AYC, she is still discovering what mentorship means for her journey, but already recognizes its value.
Through mentorship, Mary has begun learning how to navigate challenges, make informed decisions, and grow in confidence.
“I view mentorship as an opportunity to use the knowledge I gain for personal growth. Being a mentee means having a broad understanding of things, natural growth, and character building.”
Clement’s mentoring experience shaped his career choice.
Clement: Mentorship From Student to Professional
Mentorship at AYC does not end with students. Clement Mwanza, Manager of Academics and Scholarships, reflects on his own journey, from being mentored as a student at the Centre to now mentoring others as a professional.
Clement continues to be mentored by Ceasar Samwaka, Director of Academics and Scholarships at AYC and one of three Co-Directors who lead daily operations at the Learning & Leadership Centre. Through mentorship and dedication, he has grown from a coordinator into a managerial role, demonstrating the long-term impact of intentional guidance.
“The mentors helped me discover my potential and navigate the challenges I faced as a student. I always had someone I could turn to when I struggled with timetables or teenage challenges.”
At Amos Youth Centre, mentorship is a culture of growth, it is about connection, growth, and empowerment. It is about creating safe spaces where young people can learn, ask questions, fail forward, and thrive. As we celebrate National Mentoring Month, we honor every mentor and mentee who continues to shape lives and strengthen our community, one relationship at a time.
