Turn Up, Don’t Give Up

Mentorship Programme

Background

The Ministry of Education is inviting applications for volunteer mentors as part of the Turn Up, Don’t Give Up Mentorship Programme. Deadline for applications is Friday 20th December, 2024

Click Here for Application Form>>

Goals of the Turn Up, Don’t Give Up Mentorship Programme

The Turn Up, Don’t Give Up Mentorship sessions are intended to:

  1. Deliver key messages to address identified challenges which manifest in student indiscipline.
  2. Support the work of the Student Support Services Division (SSSD) in addressing identified issues specific to the school.
  3. Share relatable stories as a form of empowerment for students.
  4. Provide an outlet for positive expression and stimulate interest in positive pursuits.
  5. Support the development of a feeling of control and motivate students to act; attend school, pay attention in class, make friends, volunteer for community, better manage challenges faced.

Programme Scope

Target: Form 1-3 Students

The goal is to create a structured format for students to hear and engage with identified speakers. These sessions must be aligned to the work of the SSSD and must be structured and timetabled for each form level.  The mentorship sessions should include an activity type exercise that engages student/students for the Academic Year and helps build their confidence, morale, pride and feelings of accomplishment individually or in teams.

Mentors Role:
  1. Plan their sessions based on the areas of focus identified by the ministry
  2. Conduct at least one session with each group / class per month
  3. Debrief with relevant school officials and refer cases where needed
  4. Report on session and programme roll-out

For further details please read the Volunteer Youth Mentor Terms of Reference

Mentorship sessions

These sessions are expected to take place at least once per month for a maximum time of 60-90 minutes per session. Key components:

  • Volunteer youth mentors (speakers);
  • Specific areas/themes of focus as guidelines for presentations;
  • Some tailoring of content based on issues identified at specific schools/community;
  • Activity or engagement based;
  • Linked to needs identified by District Leadership Team and SSSD for the school

Milestones

  • Under the Ministry of Education’s (MOE) School Intervention Programme (SIP), the Turn Up, Don’t Give Up Mentorship Programme was piloted from January 2023 and continues to date.
  • Over 50 individuals with an array of skillsets have voluntarily delivered mentorship sessions as part of this programme.
  • All 26 secondary schools in the SIP have benefited from the Turn Up, Don’t Give Up Mentorship Programme.
  • Guidance Counselors and School Social Workers continue to work hand in hand with volunteer mentors to ensure students access any additional support they need through the SSSD.
  • Principals and teaching staff facilitate mentorship sessions by making the necessary provisions within the school’s calendar and providing spaces for sessions.

Support the Turn Up, Don’t Give Up Mentorship Programme

Corporate entities, NGOs and other entities wishing to support this programme can do so through the Ministry of Education’s Adopt A School Programme. Click here for more information.