By Silas Otieno

On Friday, November 22, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at USIU-Africa held an enriching Mastercard Foundation Scholar Mentors Training. The session was facilitated by Mr. Patrick Obel, the Principal Counsellor at the USIU-Africa Counselling Centre, and Ms. Misco Mungai, Program Director at HALI Access Network.

The training, designed to enhance the mentors' skills and effectiveness in communications and general aspects of mentorship, took place in the Peer Counseling room at USIU-Africa. It was organized by Miss Wambui Cheche, Recruitment and Selection Officer, and Miss Dolly Mwiti, Career Services Coordinator for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. A total of 23 mentors participated in the day-long event focused on growth and development.

The day began with a refreshing wellness session led by Mr. Patrick Obel and Ms. Zina Nguru from the Counselling Centre. This session emphasized key aspects of mentorship, including debriefing, self-awareness, managing diverse populations, and ethical considerations. Through interactive activities and discussions, mentors gained valuable insights and a robust framework for navigating the complexities of mentorship while prioritizing their personal well-being.

The second session focused on communication skills and was led by Ms. Misco Mungai, Program Director at HALI Access Network. This workshop covered essential topics such as public speaking, effective presentation techniques, audience engagement, and delivering impactful messages. Ms. Mungai’s engaging facilitation style saw the mentors express themselves even more confidently and gain deeper insights into how to connect better with their audiences.

The success of the training underscores the commitment of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at USIU-Africa and its partners to equipping young change-makers with the tools necessary for personal growth, leadership development, and transformative mentorship.