At Lift the Children (LTC), we believe that mentorship is a powerful tool for transformation, especially for young people preparing to navigate adulthood. Recently, in partnership with GBIAK, we conducted a youth mentorship session for 30 trainees, focusing on essential life skills, personal development, and goal setting.

Identifying Key Challenges

The mentorship session began with a pre-assessment to understand the strengths and challenges the students face. A key observation was that soft skills—particularly communication and interpersonal skills—were a significant challenge for almost all trainees. Additionally, when asked to set personal goals, many struggled to articulate clear objectives. Some responses were vague, such as “become good” or “be a better person.” This highlighted the need for structured guidance in goal setting and personal growth.

Teaching Goal Setting with the SMART Model

To address this, the LTC team introduced the SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goal-setting model. This approach helped the trainees learn how to set clear, realistic, and actionable goals that align with their personal and professional aspirations. The session focused on:

✔ Understanding what makes a goal meaningful and achievable ✔ Breaking down long-term goals into smaller, actionable steps ✔ Identifying personal strengths and areas for growth ✔ Encouraging a mindset of continuous improvement and self-discipline

The Five-Year Vision Challenge

To put their learning into practice, each participant was given an individual assignment: to picture themselves in five years and write down three specific goals that will guide them toward their envisioned future. This exercise was designed to foster self-awareness and encourage intentional planning for success.

The Impact of Mentorship

Mentorship is more than just imparting knowledge; it’s about empowering young minds to think critically, set ambitious yet achievable goals, and develop the confidence to pursue their dreams. Through this collaboration, we saw firsthand how structured guidance and encouragement can inspire youth to take charge of their futures.

Looking Ahead

The LTC and GBIAK collaboration is just the beginning. We are committed to ongoing mentorship initiatives that equip young people with the skills and mindset needed to thrive in life and career.

We extend our gratitude to GBIAK for their partnership and to the trainees for their openness to learn and grow. Together, we are shaping a generation of goal-oriented, confident, and empowered youth.

Stay tuned for more updates on our mentorship programs and youth development initiatives!

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