Over the years, student mentors in the Faculty have played a critical role in smoothening the transition from school to university for our first-year students. So said Lorna Olckers, Chairperson of the FHS Mentor Programme Planning Committee at a recent event held to honour and thank the 2015 FHS mentors, for their passion and commitment in this volunteer programme.

The cohort of 2015 mentors was praised for their compassion and steadfast support 

Founded by Associate Professor Cynthia Sikakana in 2002, the FHS Mentorship Programme has become a beacon of compassion and encouragement for many first year students. Every year, second and third-year students are recruited to mentor a small group of first years’ whom they assist with settling in and coping with new challenges at university.

Being a mentor comes with added responsibility beyond that to their academic studies - mentors receive training on career and curriculum advising, as well as life and academic skills development. They meet with their mentees regularly, write reports on their progress and refer them to appropriate campus support services when needed. 

“The impact of our mentor support is strengthened by being able to relate to the first year experience,” says Mrs Olckers. This year’s mentor survey showed that 91% of the students who participated in the survey felt their mentor was helpful and supportive. 

A highlight was the showing of a video created by this year’s mentors on their experiences in the programme. Revealing the 69 faces behind the team, the video encapsulated students’ will to give back and a keen understanding of what it means to be a mentor. 

In an inspirational address, guest speaker Interim Dean Professor Gregory Hussey reflected on how his mentors influenced key decisions in his life, mentioning teachers, and peers, one such person being former Dean Emeritus Professor Marion Jacobs.

The event also celebrated Prof Sikakana’s contribution to the programme in light of her retirement this year. Prof Sikakana is the Portfolio Manager of Undergraduate Student Development and Support. She was praised for her unwavering kindness and passion for the well-being of her students. Echoing the sentiments of colleagues and students, Mrs Olckers  described Prof Sikakana as caring but firm, always eager to help those in need of support and a role model to all. 

“Prof Sikanana holds so much of the FHS intuitional memory, but also memory of individual students – most evidenced in test and exam board meetings in the way she shares her knowledge, reflections and insights. She will be leaving a huge gap,” said Mrs Olckers.