GMD-UEW Holds Workshop to Strengthen Mentors' Capacity

Welcoming participants to the workshop, Mr. Steve van Kamassah, the Deputy Registrar of the Division of Publications and Communication, described mentorship as an important aspect of institutional and professional development. He noted that mentoring relationships create opportunities for both mentors and mentees to learn, grow and build meaningful professional connections.

Mr. Kamassah indicated that mentoring should focus not only on sharing knowledge but also on refining talents and preparing individuals for future responsibilities and engagements. “In this relationship, we are not only giving out, but we are also polishing whatever we have and building ourselves for future engagements,” he stated.

He further encouraged participants to actively engage in the workshop and take advantage of the opportunity to strengthen their understanding of structured mentorship and its impact on personal and professional growth. He expressed appreciation to all mentors who had accepted the responsibility of guiding and supporting mentees and encouraged them to continue contributing to the advancement of the University through mentorship.

Ms. Patricia Kaitoo, the Acting Director of GMD-UEW, explained that the workshop was organised to equip mentors with the relevant skills, attitudes and ethical principles needed to establish productive mentorship relationships.  

She emphasised the need for mentorship relationships to be structured, goal-oriented and accountable to achieve meaningful outcomes. According to her, effective mentorship requires commitment, trust, proper guidance and continuous support for mentees. She further encouraged participants to adopt best practices that would help mentees build confidence, improve their academic and professional competencies and make informed career decisions.

Participants were also taken through practical sessions on the roles and responsibilities of mentors, communication strategies and the importance of maintaining professional boundaries in mentorship relationships.

Delivering a presentation during the workshop, Dr. Francis Narh Akrono, Registrar of the College for Distance and e-Learning (CODeL), stressed the importance of mentors being resourceful and supportive in guiding mentees through their academic and professional journeys.

Sharing his personal experience, he recounted how his mentor assisted him during a research project on the effects of small-scale mining on schooling in mining communities. According to him, the guidance he received enabled him to identify critical academic resources that significantly enriched his research work. “Mentors can identify resources and direct mentees to source information that will enrich their works. As mentors, we must be very resourceful so that our mentees can benefit from our efforts,” he said.

Dr. Akrono advised mentors not to impose decisions on mentees or become judgmental in their approach. Rather, he encouraged mentors to guide mentees to make informed decisions on their own while providing the needed motivation and encouragement. “You are not there to tell somebody this is wrong or right. Your role is to motivate the person to understand that there is always room for improvement,” he noted.

He also cautioned mentors against overstepping professional boundaries or attempting to handle psychological challenges beyond their expertise. He advised that mentees with such concerns should be referred to the appropriate professionals for assistance.

The workshop formed part of UEW’s commitment to promoting academic excellence, professional development and effective mentorship practices within the University community.