FOREWORD
We have a situation
especially in Africa where young ones and even adults move through life with
unfulfilled dreams, ambitions, lack of fulfillment and satisfaction with their
jobs. This can be as a result of lack of mentorship informal or formal. Well
defined achievements can only come from and through mentoring.
This book brings out
mentoring as it truly is; an age-long phenomenon that can be informal or
formal. The author brings out the importance of continued well sustained
mentorship from home to school to office place and in all spheres of life.
Proper mentoring results in success no matter the situation or circumstance of
the society. This is very important for us as a nation when we are talking of
change.
The book is a wake-up call
for Africans to re-visit her culture of a junior/younger looking up to a
senior/older for directions and instructions. The book advocates that this
should be tailored formally and incorporated into our educational system. The
gap existing in the lives of many young graduates can be bridged through proper
mentoring instead of their just passing through the university and getting a
degree.
The African Women in
Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD) has taken up this challenge by
carrying out organizational mentorship for her Fellows. This has yielded
immense benefits to female scientists and Africa in general. Mentoring is
richer, more fulfilling and encompassing than just teaching. It is a rewarding
experience for both mentee and mentor. This book reveals mentoring strategies
and tools that can be practiced by anybody. It also provides case studies with
exercises for practical purposes.
The author stresses the
“train-the-trainer” approach and even the setting up of mentoring clubs. All
these will result in a flowing stream of mentoring with its attendant positive
results. She further pointed out the importance of mentoring even in
socio-economic development, moral and character development.
This book is
encompassing and covering even the attributes of a mentor and mentee. It is a
must read by prospective mentors and mentees.
Aduabobo Ibitoru Hart (AWARD Mentor)
Professor of Benthic Ecology
Dept. of Animal & Environmental
Biology,
University of Port Harcourt,
Nigeria.
