Page 48 - COP 2016-2017

“The whole program also taught me the
importance of socializing and meeting people.
Most importantly, I learnt the importance of
NEVER GIVING UP.”

John 2017

Name: John Senteu Letite
Age: 25 years
Origin: Kenya
Occupation: Student

of the program – namely to help the group of young talent in Benta grew up in the slums, where she had a great deal of
discovering and cultivating their talents and ultimately offering traumatizing things happen to her at a very young age. She
them the guidance and support necessary to choose the ideal managed to bury herself in taking care of her siblings and never
direction for their future. took the time to consider her situation.
As a natural conclusion to the process, mentees will receive a “Dennis and everyone else involved in the drafting of the mentoring
certificate as proof that they have completed the mentoring program will never understand just how much it means to me
program. The certificate serves as a reminder of everything they and how much I needed someone else to lean on for a change.
have learnt about themselves and their ability to take charge of It turned out that I needed a mentor more than I could possibly
their own future. imagine or admit to myself. I thought that I would just open up
to a total stranger and at the end of the day I would still have the
At the beginning of 2017, the Foundation enrolled an additional same problems without any solution offered. I was wrong. I have
three talented youth from disadvantaged communities. At the discovered things about myself that I did not even know existed.
same time, the mentoring program came into place and within I am more confident. I know what I want. Most importantly, my
the first months, five expectant mentors finished their mentor future looks brighter than anything I have ever experienced before.”
training.
John also speaks of a brighter future and positive outlook due
Geldolph Everts is the head mentor coordinator and trains the to his enrollment in the mentoring program.
mentors who volunteer to join the corps of foundation mentors.
“The mentoring program has helped me believe in a brighter future.
The wise counseling and professional guidance given to me by my
From victim to go-getter mentor helped me develop my business skills, which will help me
to contribute to my future job quickly and effectively. The whole
John and Benta grew up in poor living conditions, leaving them program also taught me the importance of socializing and meeting
with equally poor-looking prospects for life. It is safe to say that people. Most importantly, I learnt the importance of NEVER GIVING
it has been a life-changing journey for the PDAid Foundation’s UP. The entire mentoring program was amazing.”
first two participants.

48 | Phoenix Design Aid CSR Report Communication on Progress 2016-2017