The NFTE Graduate Mentorship Programme (GMP) is a 6-month mentorship specially designed for Secondary 4 NFTE graduates to further develop their character, mindsets, and skillsets. Each year, the NFTE programme reaches about 500 students at the Secondary 3 level. Shortlisted graduates from each NFTE batch get the chance to participate in a 1:1 mentorship to further develop themselves, with the guidance of an adult volunteer.
What students can get out of the NFTE GMP:
L
Learn to be self-directed learners
I
Identify and achieve personal development and growth, and map out a career vision
F
Foster higher levels of engagement
E
Enhance Entrepreneurial mindset and confidence
Success breeds success. This is my mantra for my children and for my mentee from Halogen’s programme. Having a taste of small victories keeps one going in setting new goals and broadens one’s horizon eventually.
My mentee’s first success was acing that Direct Admission Interview and securing a spot in the school of her choice. That was sweet success and more so, we did it together! It created a bond intangibly.
Joy Lim
UBS, GMP Mentor
One memorable conversation I had with my mentor was when we talked about our goals and why I wanted to achieve those goals. She explained to me that sometimes our interests and goals might slightly change over time but we still can achieve them, with hard work. Until today her wise words have helped me to figure out why goals are important.
Norasyiqin Binte Habib
GMP Mentee
I benefitted from my informal mentorship in my teenage years and I know how valuable that advice can be for those who are just starting to figure their way out in the world. I believe it would be useful to share what I’ve learnt with younger people, while also learning from their experiences.
Madhurya Manohar
Ishk Tolaram, GMP Mentor
I remember when I first entered this programme I was lost in the sense that I didn't know where I was, and having an in-depth, honest conversation with my mentor helped me a lot. It was like talking to a friend with a lot of experience.
Ng Hui Lin
GMP Mentee
I think the specific moment that left a deep impression on me was when my mentee said he felt inspired by what I do both at work and outside of work. I would not have expected him to ask so many intelligent questions as such a young teen, which showed me that he just needed a little push in the right direction to succeed in his future endeavours!
Jefferson Low
UBS, GMP Mentor
I think having a perspective from someone older than me allows me to know that I can push through the current challenges I’m facing right now.
Ang Kai Hsien
GMP Mentee
When my mentee shared an unfortunate experience he had experienced, it made me realise the kinds of hardship people face and being strong in the face of such circumstances. It also made me realise the importance of mentorship and volunteering because having an adult to guide you through such hardship is very important.
Archit Bagaria
Ishk Tolaram, GMP Mentor
COMMITMENT FOR MENTORS AND MENTEES
- Attend and complete the Mentor/Mentee’s training and briefing conducted by Halogen Foundation.
- 6 mentoring sessions from March to August 2023 (including 1 kick-off session)
- The first and final session is a compulsory face-to-face meeting unless the prevailing public health guidelines advise otherwise.
- The Mentor-Mentee meet-ups will take place once every 3-4 weeks
- The Mentor-Mentee pairing will be 1 Mentor to 2 Mentees or 1 Mentor to 1 Mentee
- The sessions may be held at the Halogen office or via Zoom
- Committed to 1.5 hours on a weekday late afternoon (after 2 pm). This is based on the availability of Mentors/Mentees.
Eligibility for
Mentees
- Completed the NFTE programme in 2022
- Hungry to learn beyond their academic exposure
- Expressed an interest in self-development and keen to be supported by an adult role model
Eligibility for
Mentors
- Have volunteered with the NFTE programme before.
- Have prior experience of working with youth and ideally some mentoring experience.
- Able to relate, break down concepts and share own experiences.
- Preferably fluent in English as a main medium of communication. A bonus if you are also fluent in a Mother Tongue/ second local language.
- Strong listening and communication skills.
- Respectful of differences such as economic backgrounds, cultures, religions, sexual orientations and gender.
Ishk Tolaram Scholarship
In line with the NFTE GMP, Halogen Foundation is also collaborating with the Ishk Tolaram Foundation to administer The Ishk Tolaram Scholarship which supports shortlisted NFTE GMP mentees with a monthly educational scholarship to alleviate their households’ financial needs.
Interested applicants for this scholarship must be a mentee under the NFTE GMP.
