Trailblazers Mentoring Foundation (TMF), with support from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and METS, successfully conducted a four-day Peer Mentors Orientation Workshop aimed at enhancing the capacity of young mentors to support adolescent girls and young women.
The workshop, which brought together peer mentors from various communities, focused on equipping them with the necessary skills to provide structured, systematic, and integrated mentorship that empowers girls to make informed decisions, access essential services, and reduce vulnerabilities to HIV, teenage pregnancy, and gender-based violence (GBV).
Empowering Mentors for Impact
During the workshop, TMF’s Executive Director, Joyce Atimango Okker, emphasized the critical role of mentorship in shaping the future of adolescent girls. She noted:
“Mentorship is more than a session; it’s a movement. Through these interactions, we are not only equipping girls with knowledge and skills but also ensuring they have a trusted support system to navigate challenges.”
The mentors were taken through key components of the DREAMS programme, including one-on-one and group mentoring sessions, referral systems, and essential tools for monitoring and reporting. TMF’s Head of Programs also provided a step-by-step guide on effective group mentoring, highlighting its role in creating safe spaces for girls to share experiences, build confidence, and support each other.
Building Trust and Confidence
A significant part of the training focused on one-on-one mentoring, where peer mentors learned how to provide confidential, safe, and supportive spaces for girls to open up about personal challenges. These sessions aim to strengthen self-awareness, self-esteem, stress management, and emotional resilience among adolescent girls.
The Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) Officer further guided the peer mentors on reporting and documentation, covering the DREAMS Early Warning System (EWS), referral forms, human interest story documentation, and home visits to ensure every girl receives the support she needs.
Commitment to Lasting Change
As the workshop concluded, TMF’s Head of Programs applauded the commitment of the mentors and encouraged them to be consistent, supportive, and proactive in their role. The Executive Director reiterated TMF’s dedication to ensuring mentorship remains a pillar of empowerment for adolescent girls, enabling them to overcome societal challenges and achieve their full potential.
With this training, peer mentors are now better equipped to drive positive change in their communities, fostering a generation of resilient, confident, and empowered young women.
