Viewing Mentoring Through a Social Justice Lens
At SAYes, we often speak about mentoring as structure, consistency, and shared learning. But some of the most powerful reflections on our work come directly from the young people themselves.
As we honor World Social Justice Day on 20 February, one of our mentees, Chelsea, took time to reflect on mentoring through a social justice lens. Her piece reminds us that mentoring about personal growth, but it’s also about equity, access, and recognising that talent is universal, but opportunity isn’t.
Many young people move through life without reassurance, guidance and support. They are expected to navigate significant transitions like from school to further education, into employment, emotional health, physical health and other personal struggles, often on their own. And this transition can feel daunting.
Are young people unaware of the support available to them? Or is access to support obscured by systemic barriers? There really isn’t a simple answer.
Mentoring can be understood as the support and guidance developed through a purposeful interpersonal relationship built on trust, encouragement, and shared learning. Through this connection, individuals gain reassurance, insight, and exposure to opportunities that may otherwise remain inaccessible.
When viewed through a social justice lens, which centres on fairness, equity, and equal access to resources and opportunity, mentoring becomes more than personal development; it becomes a means of addressing inequity.
Many young people face structural barriers that limit their access to networks, information, and guidance. It’s not because they lack the ability, but because of systemic disadvantages. By expanding awareness, building confidence, and creating pathways to opportunity, mentoring helps bridge these gaps and supports young people in exploring futures they may not have previously considered on their own.
To conclude, in celebration of the world social justice day on the 20th of February, this piece of writing helps us explore and understand the impact of mentoring through social justice lens. Thank you.
Chelsea captures the SAYes mission beautifully. Mentoring isn’t about “fixing” young people. It is about creating free, accessible, world-class mentorship for under-served young people.
When we talk about social justice, we’re not speaking in abstract terms. We know social justice and social change are built through relationships and networks that ensure under-served young people have the support they need to make competent, informed decisions and that they aren’t left to fend for themselves during important and complex life transitions. Structured mentorship is how we actively work toward a more equitable future for everyone.
We are grateful to Chelsea for sharing her perspective and for reminding us why this work matters.
If you would like to support mentoring that promotes equity and opportunity, please consider becoming a mentor or sustaining our work through monthly giving.
