Mentorship at the Boys' College

The Mentor-Mentee relationship is a crucial component of the Pastoral and Leadership Pillar at the Boys’ College. Seniors and juniors are encouraged to learn and grow together. It is far more than senior boys helping the juniors through periods of adversity. Seniors spend time teaching juniors the Saints values and traditions and, most importantly, the rationale behind them to create a community which respects and values all who belong to it.

The symbolism of mentorship is epitomized in the statue “The Way Forward” which is situated in the Chapel Circle. Donated by the Matric Class of 2017, and a representation of a mentor and mentee, the statue shows the mentor pointing “The Way Forward” to the fulcrum of the College which is our Chapel, indicating where to go, and where to learn the values, traditions and ethos of St Stithians. It is also a metaphor for how seniors role model appropriate and aspirational behaviours to the juniors. Inscribed on the stone plaque is a message from Proverbs 3:6 “Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.”

We look back on our Grade 8 Welcome Evening and focus on the introduction of our 2023 Grade 8s to their Grade 11 Mentor’s. Meeting someone new for the first time can be nerve-racking but our Grade 11s soon put their new mentees at ease with their humor and passion for the Boys’ College.

The Grade 8s were addressed by Siphesihle Ndlwana, Grade 10, about his experience of mentorship at the College. Siphesihle went on to say; “St Stithians boasts a cohort of boys who are thriving. How do we go about transcending a modern boy’s school shaped by 70 years of tradition? How do we ensure the well-being and success of each boy sitting here today? Mentorship is the answer. This concept branches into different aspects that co-exist to ensure its success.

• Friendship: You have got a friend in me. Forming a friendship with your mentor is forming a foundation for good communication. Unity. Brotherhood. Saints values. It starts with friendship.
• Leadership: When we think of leaders, we think of our senior boys and it’s true. However, the misconception is that it’s limited to those senior boys. As a mentee, you get to look up to your mentor, a leader, as you take on your own leadership journey.
• Scholarship: You cannot pour into someone else’s glass if yours isn’t full. No one’s glass is ever full. So, it is important for the mentor-mentee relationship to thrive by learning from each other. Knowledge is key. Mentorship is getting knowledge.”

Saints excellence. This is a phrase you have probably heard. A phrase you are about to embody. Embrace your differences, enjoy the similarities. Be inspired. Find a friend in each other. Lead each other. Learn from each other. And that is the very essence of Saints excellence. Mentorship.