Build From Scratch (BFS) Mentorship Initiative
Zuhra Educational Foundation (ZEF)
Purpose of This Document
These guidelines are designed to orient mentors joining the Build From Scratch (BFS) Mentorship Initiative. They outline expectations, roles, conduct, and working procedures to ensure a consistent, ethical, and effective mentorship experience for all participants.
BFS mentorship is a trust-based responsibility and a key pillar of ZEF’s long-term youth development strategy.
Role of a BFS Mentor
As a BFS mentor, you are expected to:
- Serve as a guide, role model, and accountability partner
- Support mentees in academic, career, and personal development
- Encourage discipline, critical thinking, and ethical conduct
- Provide constructive feedback and direction
Mentors are not expected to have all the answers, but they are expected to care, guide, and be consistent.
Scope of Mentorship
Mentorship under BFS may include:
- Career guidance and decision-making support
- Professional skills and workplace readiness
- Personal finance awareness and responsible planning
- Academic guidance (where relevant)
- Skill development and goal setting
Mentors should operate within their area of competence and refer issues outside scope to the BFS committee.
Mentorship Structure
- Mentorship is conducted one-on-one or in small groups
- Each mentor is assigned a defined number of mentees
- Sessions may be online or physical, as agreed
- Mentorship is long-term and structured, not ad-hoc
Mentors are expected to maintain regular contact with their assigned mentees.
Professional Conduct & Ethics
All BFS mentors must:
- Uphold professionalism, respect, and integrity
- Maintain confidentiality of mentee information
- Avoid favoritism, exploitation, or inappropriate relationships
- Communicate respectfully at all times
- Observe cultural and moral sensitivity
Any breach of ethical conduct may result in review or removal from the program.
Communication Guidelines
- Agree on preferred communication channels early
- Maintain reasonable communication hours
- Keep communication purposeful and respectful
- Avoid unnecessary dependency or overfamiliarity
Mentors should model healthy professional boundaries.
Accountability & Reporting
Mentors are expected to:
- Track mentee progress informally or formally
- Flag concerns (academic, behavioral, or commitment-related)
- Report serious issues to the BFS committee promptly
- Participate in periodic reviews when required
Accountability protects both mentors and mentees.
Time Commitment
- Mentorship requires consistency
- Mentors should be realistic about availability
- If availability changes, inform the BFS committee early
Consistency is more valuable than frequency.
Support from ZEF
ZEF provides:
- Clear mentorship guidelines
- Administrative support
- Program oversight and coordination
- A structured framework for engagement
Mentors are not left to operate in isolation.
Voluntary Service Statement
BFS mentorship is a voluntary service. While unpaid, mentors are expected to deliver mentorship with sincerity, excellence, and responsibility.
The impact of mentorship extends beyond individuals to families, communities, and the nation.
Agreement
By participating as a BFS mentor, you confirm that you:
- Understand the responsibilities involved
- Agree to uphold ZEF’s values and standards
- Commit to mentoring with integrity and professionalism
For questions or support:
📧 Email: info@zefoundation.com.ng
Build From Scratch — strong foundations shape strong futures.