“Mentoring boys and girls for sustainable communities” was the topic of the fifth briefing for the United Nations Department of Public Information for Non-governmental Organizations.
I was excited for this briefing because rather than watching on my computer, I was able to attend in real life at the U.N. headquarters in New York.
While in New York, I received my badge which allows me to visit the Thursday briefings. My mother, who came to New York with me, was also able to receive a guest pass which allowed her to attend.
Moderator Hawa Diallo spoke about the importance of mentorship, asking participants to remember someone who was a mentor in their lives.
The briefing featured panelists who are mentors to children and youth including Dena Mekawi, another youth representative who advocates for the Women’s National Book Association, and serves as the chair for the U.N. Youth Representative Programme.
Mekawi spoke about how media outlets shape the ideals of teenagers. She asked attendees, “how do we shape media messages for self-esteem issues?”
She spoke about her own struggle with self-esteem, growing up as a Muslim-American girl. “I was trying to hide from who I really was,” she said.
Since then, Mekawi has encouraged youth to take part in initiatives and share their perpectives.
“Never underestimate the power of your existence” she said. “Never under value the power of your message.”
Young girls around the world have reached out to her through social media including on Instagram and Facebook. Mekawi takes the time to respond to them and listen to their issues.
“Giving guidance can be so transformative,” she said. “You will never forget your mentor.”
The first speaker, Paige Propper, of Zariki Nursery Primary School in Tanzania, related how her students became mentors themselves. Children received mentorship in school, then returned when they were older and became mentors to younger children. The peer-to-peer learning helped Tanzanian teachers stay motivated, and the school became more self-sufficient.
Another panelist, Brenda Smith, spoke about the importance of continuing initiatives that allow children to thrive.
“The question is whether we can afford NOT to invest in children,” said Smith.
She said education barriers include gender and cultural tradition. Mentoring programs, especially for girls in science, technology, engineering and math fields are needed. Children should be exposed to these concepts as early as the primary grades, she said.
“Young women and men should learn and explore these concepts together,” Smith said. “Young people must be included from birth. A society that cuts itself from its youth cuts its lifeline.”
Panelist Mary Olushoga represented the African Power Network which works to support students and encourages active mentoring and sponsorship. They have learned from young Africans in their program who say they want to “stand on their own, without their government. They want to be valuable for their countries and learn how to solve problems.” These students want to know it’s OK to dream.
Some key points from the briefing were:
- Young people need mentors.
- Mentoring programs are useful.
- Young people want their voices to be heard.
- Girls and young women need support.
Panelist Diallo Shabazz, from the organization 100 Black Men, shared a holistic model of mentorship that dealt with young men’s social and emotional needs as well as academic, physical, moral and practical life skills.
Panelists shared that children must be taught to develop a global consciousness and a sense of themselves with caring adults at the centerpiece. They need positive male and female role models.
As Wendy Foster, president and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters, put it:
“If someone doesn’t put vision in your life, how can you dream bigger?”
During the Q&A time, an audience member asked the question, “are we teaching girls and boys differently?”
Another panelist brought up the idea that when it comes to empowering children, “men and boys are collaborators, not competitors.”
A panelist mentioned the organization Black Girls Who Code in response to a student’s question about finding STEM jobs. Resources were given using the hashtags #DPINGO; #CSW60 and #UNNGO2016.
You can watch the full briefing here.
ASTRA for U.N. 