The Forum for African Women Educationalists national chapter in Ethiopia—FAWE Ethiopia—has launched a Mentorship Training under the FAWE/Mastercard Foundation Phase II Programme in Bishoftu, marking a significant step in strengthening support systems for young people in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
The three-day interactive training, which commenced on 16 March 2026, brings together mentors supporting Cohort II participants from partner institutions across four regions: Addis Ababa, Sidama, Oromia, and Amhara.
Participants include mentors from leading TVET institutions such as General Wingate Polytechnic College, Addis Ababa Tegbareid Polytechnic College, Hawassa Polytechnic College, Hawassa Tegbareid Polytechnic College, Adama Polytechnic College, and Bahir Dar Polytechnic College. The training also engages industry stakeholders, entrepreneurship support organizations, FAWE alumni, and science and technology institutions.
This diverse participation reflects a multi-sectoral approach to mentorship—linking education, industry, and innovation to better support students’ academic and career pathways.
The training is designed as an interactive and participatory experience, combining discussions, group work, and collaborative learning. Key focus areas include:
- Understanding students’ lived experiences and challenges
- Foundations and principles of effective mentorship
- Communication skills in mentoring relationships
These foundational modules aim to equip mentors with practical tools to provide guidance that is responsive, empathetic, and impactful.
Over the course of the training, participants will further explore advanced areas essential to mentorship in TVET settings, including:
- Mentorship practice and structured engagement approaches
- Career development and pathways to employment
- Student safety, safeguarding, and well-being
- Monitoring and evaluation of mentorship programmes
- Action planning to strengthen mentorship support systems
By integrating these components, FAWE Ethiopia is ensuring that mentorship goes beyond guidance—becoming a structured, results-oriented support mechanism for student success.
This initiative aligns with FAWE Ethiopia’s vision of building an equitable and inclusive society where all girls and women can thrive. Through mentorship and capacity-building programmes, FAWE continues to promote gender-responsive education while expanding opportunities for young people—particularly in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
By strengthening mentorship structures within TVET institutions, FAWE is contributing to improved retention, performance, and transition to meaningful employment for students.
Investing in the Future through Mentorship
The mentorship training in Bishoftu represents a strategic investment in human capital development—empowering mentors to guide, support, and inspire the next generation of skilled professionals and leaders.
As FAWE continues to scale its programmes across Africa, mentorship remains a cornerstone of its approach—ensuring that every learner is supported not only academically, but also personally and professionally.