There’s something profoundly fulfilling about the act of giving—of offering your time, knowledge, and resources to help someone else grow.
It’s often said that in life, the rewards we gain are a reflection of what we give. This notion is central to mentorship, where giving more than taking creates a ripple effect of growth and learning. As a mentor, you are not only imparting wisdom and guidance, but you are also investing in the future of others, and through this, you find yourself growing too. Mentorship is not just about teaching; it’s about nurturing a community where both mentor and mentee thrive together.
“Lean In” by Sheryl Sandberg is one of my absolutely favourite books. One of the core messages, particularly the chapter titled “Be My Mentor”, is the importance of organically building mentor-mentee relationships. Sandberg emphasizes that mentorship is not a quick fix for success, but a relationship that grows through shared values, mutual respect, and consistent engagement.
As someone who has had the privilege of creating and leading the M’mawa Apprenticeship Programme, this message resonates deeply with my experience as a mentee of many, and more importantly a mentor throughout Cohort 4 of the programme.
Reflections on Mentoring in the M’mawa Apprenticeship Programme
Since its inception in 2021, the M’mawa Apprenticeship Programme has been a flagship initiative of the Ntha Foundation – operationalised through the Kwathu Kollective, and designed to provide young people with practical skills and industry insights through guided mentorship. As the creator and one of the mentors, I’ve had the opportunity to witness how transformative mentorship can be—not only for the mentees but also for us as mentors.
The M’mawa Apprenticeship Programme: Creating a Transformed Workforce
When I launched the M’mawa Apprenticeship Programme, I envisioned it as a platform where young people (specifically young professionals) could gain real-world experience by learning directly from industry experts. Over the years, the programme has evolved into a dynamic environment where mentorship is central to the learning process. In Cohort 4, I had the privilege of mentoring a talented group of graduating students from the Malawi University of Science and Technology eager to learn, grow, and contribute to their communities.
One of the core principles we uphold in the programme is mutual learning. As a mentor, I am constantly inspired by the curiosity and innovative thinking of the mentees. They challenge me to think in new ways and push boundaries, while I guide them through the complexities of the professional world. The key is that the relationship is built on trust and collaboration. We are all working towards the same goal—empowering young people to succeed and contribute to society.
Tips for Young People Looking for Mentorship
Be Proactive in Building Relationships:
From my experience as both a mentor and mentee, the most successful mentorships are built on mutual effort. Don’t wait for a mentor to come to you. Be proactive. Engage with people whose work you admire and whose values resonate with yours. Start by asking for advice or insights, or even offering help to contribute to their work, and let the relationship grow naturally from there. The mentees I’ve worked with who made the most progress were those who consistently sought out opportunities to learn and contribute, whether through group discussions or one-on-one conversations.
Know What You Bring to the Table:
Mentorship is not just about receiving guidance; it’s also about what you offer as a mentee. Think of mentorship as a two-way street where both parties benefit from the relationship. When mentees bring fresh ideas, energy, and enthusiasm to the table, it creates a more enriching experience for the mentor as well. In the M’mawa Apprenticeship Programme, many of the most impactful interactions came from mentees who were eager to collaborate on projects, share their ideas, and challenge conventional thinking.
Respect the Mentor’s Time and Expertise:
Mentors are typically professionals with busy schedules, so it’s important to approach them with respect for their time and expertise. Be clear about what you need, whether it’s career advice, guidance on a particular project, or help navigating a tough decision. In my role as a mentor, I’ve always appreciated mentees who come prepared and focused, knowing what they hope to get out of each interaction. This clarity leads to more productive discussions and a stronger relationship overall.
Accept Feedback Graciously:
One of the most valuable aspects of mentorship is the honest feedback you receive. Good mentors will not shy away from giving constructive criticism, and it’s important to accept it with an open mind. This feedback is often the most powerful tool for growth. During the M’mawa Apprenticeship Programme, I’ve had many instances where tough feedback led to breakthrough moments for my mentees. It’s not always easy to hear, but it’s always necessary.
Look for Long-Term Mentorship:
A common misconception among young people is that mentorship is a short-term engagement. In reality, the most impactful mentorships often last for years. They grow and evolve as your career progresses. Most of my mentorships have been quite low-intensity, and the relationships have grown with me. In the M’mawa Apprenticeship Programme, I’ve seen mentees from earlier cohorts come back for advice long after the programme ended. These long-term relationships are where mentorship truly shines—when the mentor can support and guide you through different stages of your journey.
Mentorship: A Shared Journey
Reflecting on my experience mentoring in the M’mawa Apprenticeship Programme, I can confidently say that mentorship is not about shortcuts or instant success. It’s about building meaningful, long-lasting relationships that are rooted in shared values, mutual respect, and a commitment to learning.
For young people looking to build these relationships, my advice is simple: be proactive, be open, and be patient. Mentorship is not about finding someone to pave the way for you—it’s about working together with your mentor to discover your path and make the journey meaningful.
The M’mawa Apprenticeship Programme continues to be one of the most fulfilling projects I’ve led through the Ntha Foundation. I look forward to seeing how this initiative will grow, and how more young people will, through this initiative, find mentors to help them navigate their journeys. The power of mentorship lies not just in the knowledge shared, but in the relationships built and the growth that both mentors and mentees experience along the way.
I shared their graduation day with them, as I graduated from my first Master’s Degree!
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conferring the Master of Science in Entrepreneurship Degree on Ms. Manduwi.
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