The Challenge:

Mentorship is an integral part of the YearBeyond youth development model. The success of YeBoneers is intricately tied to the capacity of their mentor. As YearBeyond grows, mentor capacity has become a key constraint. Partners want to leverage those with experience in the programme as they understand the culture and work. However, these alumni are often people with fantastic potential that have not yet honed the full skills set required.

The Response:

The YeBo Academy is a response to this challenge. In order to ensure that YearBeyond has a pipeline of quality mentors to deliver the programme, the YeBo Academy trains carefully selected YeBoneer Alumni to become Programme Mentors. Alumni join the YeBo Academy and become students for a year.

The Academy has four residential training blocks. Between training blocks, students engage in work at their Host Implementing Partners where they support mentors. They complete assignments, learn about the work, engage with coaches, participate in exchanges and build their peer network. They are paid an allowance while in training.

At the end of the programme, graduates of the Academy will be steeped in the YearBeyond values and culture and will have developed the following competencies:

  • Facilitation and Training – Adult learning facilitation and an ability to work with young people mindfully, respectfully, and with passion.

  • Project Co-Ordination and Support – Project management and administration principles for organisational efficiency.

  • Coaching Conversations - Coaching principles to support young people.

  • Leading Social Change - Lead and manage diverse teams in a community development context and work effectively with a wide range of stakeholders. Make innovation suggestions to keep the YearBeyond programme current and relevant.

Graduates will be required to become Mentors in YearBeyond for at least a year thereafter. Partners are offered an opportunity to employ the graduates as mentors. This pipeline creates capacity to uphold the quality of the programme and expand YearBeyond footprint.