The Grenada Education and Development Programme (GRENED) officially relaunched its mentorship programme on Saturday, 25 January at the Deluxe Cinema in Grenville, St Andrew.
The initiative aims to provide vital support to students, helping them realise their full potential and positively impact their schools, communities, and the nation as a whole.
The mentorship programme is designed to offer personalised guidance to students, pairing them with experienced mentors who can provide academic, career, and personal development advice. The programme is coordinated by Francine Powers, a volunteer who is responsible for selecting and assigning mentors to students.
The launch event saw a large turnout of parents, students, mentors, and local community members. During the event, several students shared testimonials about how GRENED has already positively impacted their lives. Many highlighted the significant role the organisation’s leadership seminars and scholarship assistance have played in their development. One student shared that when he first joined the programme three years ago, he was very shy and kept to himself. However, with the support of the programme, he gradually became more confident and began interacting with his peers.
“This mentorship programme is an essential addition to the support network we offer our students,” said Powers. “Through their mentors, students will receive guidance that will help them navigate both academic and personal challenges, ultimately allowing them to thrive.”
The event also featured several individuals who volunteered to become mentors, recognising the positive impact the programme has on the students’ lives. Currently, GRENED has 49 students enrolled, including 7 in Petite Martinique, 10 in or from Carriacou, 7 in St Patrick, 5 in St David, 1 from St George, and all others in St Andrew where the national NGO is based. Over 25 are already paired, and the remaining ones are in the process of being matched.
In addition to providing guidance and support, the mentorship programme will help assess students’ individual needs through monthly feedback from mentors. This feedback will allow GRENED to tailor its support to each student, ensuring they have the resources needed to succeed. Students are in secondary schools, TAMCC and one in medical school.
GRENED is inviting members of the community to become volunteer mentors with its students. Anyone interested in volunteering can contact the organisation at the number above.
GRENED
