Kuumba (Mentoring)

Kuumba (mentoring) means transferring knowledge and skills to muumbwi (mentee), usually younger that the muumbi (mentor) in a manner that is appropriate and acceptable to a cultural, natural or artificial setting (ASWDNet, 2021). This definition is from Fundi, The African Dictionary of Social Work available here: https://africasocialwork.net/fundi-the-african-dictionary-of-social-work/

Our mentoring services are for students or upcoming social workers who will work with established senior social workers. The mentor and mentee/s establish a mentoring relationship that allows the mentee/s to grow professionally and to be confident in their practice. We use the Ubuntu mentoring model. The elements of this model are:

• Critical mentoring, a commitment to Africanism and decolonization.
• As much as possible, we promote organic mentoring, mentoring relationships grow naturally, on their own
• Continuum of mentoring: we build on the past and contribute to the anticipated future because mentoring is not a once-off thing
• Family and community focused
• Group mentoring
• Peer mentoring

We offer student, research and career mentoring.

Student mentoring

This program is for students who are enrolled in a social work program in their final year.

Career mentoring

To qualify, you should have qualified as a social worker in the last 5 years. You will work with an experienced social worker. How is career mentoring done? In total, you will do group or individual online (but also face to face where possible) meetings as follows:

1. First meeting to get to know each other and developing a mutual agreement (mentoring plan can be developed at this stage).
2. Second meeting to share information about the social work industry and workplaces and to develop a mentoring plan.
3. Third meeting to develop Career Plans and or CPD plans; if required.
4. Fourth meeting to work on applications for jobs or promotion applications; if required.
5. A fifth meeting, most likely in the second year, to review progress.

Research mentoring

This program is for research students (honors, masters or PhD) or early career academics in social work. Use the form below to apply to become a research mentee.

Publishing Mentoring Opportunity. Terms and conditions: The ASWNet runs this program for 6 months. One or more mentees are connected with one mentor who works with them to (1) contribute to a journal article being led by senior researchers and publish the article with them (2) write research summaries from published articles for the ASWnet Conclusions Africa publication. (3) initiate a literature review or field research and publish a journal article with other researchers as lead author. At least three online mentoring meetings are expected between mentee and mentor, and a fourth meeting that includes all mentoring teams. By the end of the 6 months, the mentees would have gained knowledge, skills and experience of conceptualizing, planning and implementing a research project, reporting and publishing. The other important outcome, as already explained, will be the two journal articles for each mentee. A certificate from ASWNet and recommendation letter from mentor/s will be issued. Please note this opportunity is only available to ASWNet members, it is free and voluntary. Mentees provide a short profile and picture to be placed on the ASWNet website. YOU MAY APPLY USING THE FORM BELOW.

How to become a mentor or mentee

Email us your name, WhatsApp number, institution, qualification level, experience and motivation statement. Specify if you want to mentor others or to be mentored. For mentees, please include a referee.