Throughout my work as Project Leader of Bridges by Mentors, I have seen how mentoring can change lives in ways that are often difficult to measure, yet impossible to ignore. The Bridges by Mentors programme creates meaningful connections between people who may never have crossed paths otherwise. These relationships help young people broaden their horizons, strengthen their self-confidence, and discover educational and career opportunities they may not have previously considered.
What makes the Bridges by Mentors approach particularly powerful is that everyone benefits. Local youth gain guidance, encouragement, and access to experiences that help them navigate important life choices. International students who take on the role of mentor, in turn, develop valuable soft skills such as communication, empathy, leadership, and intercultural awareness. Many develop a stronger sense of social responsibility and become more actively engaged in their communities.
The impact extends beyond the mentors and mentees themselves. Young people are inspired by relatable role models who demonstrate that educational and professional opportunities are within reach. By creating conversations about aspirations, challenges, and future pathways, mentoring helps them see possibilities they may never have imagined before. The group mentoring approach provides a safe and supportive environment for all participants, while the guided structure helps ensure quality and continuity. At the same time, the peer mentoring concept lowers barriers and makes meaningful connections more accessible. This outreach programme encourages young people to step outside their comfort zones, broaden their perspectives, and build genuine relationships based on mutual curiosity and respect.
Most importantly, the effects of mentoring continue long after a programme has ended. A single mentoring relationship can influence educational choices, career development, community engagement, and future mentoring activities. In this way, every connection creates a ripple effect, strengthening individuals, communities, and society as a whole. Bridges by Mentors demonstrates that when we invest in people and meaningful relationships, we are not only supporting today’s young people, but also helping to build a more inclusive, connected, and resilient future for generations to come.
Afke Bruinsma
Project Leader, Bridges by Mentors