FAQs
To support and encourage people to manage their own learning in order that they may maximize their potential, develop their skills, improve their performance and become the person they want to be.
This is a holistic mentoring programme that will support young women in Sudan and globally to develop their professional and interpersonal skills through discussions with their mentors and being a part of monthly workshops. The mentees on this programme will cover sessions such as CV writing, leadership skills as well as wellbeing, personal development, amongst others.Mentors guide and support mentees to be critical thinkers, and build their confidence in order to challenge the status quo and follow a path of their choosing. Mentees should play an active role in their learning and ensure they read through the different topics on the programme so that they have engaging, thought provoking discussions with their mentors.
A mentor is a guide, who is a key role model and figure for the mentee, with whom they can work together to ensure they support them and direct them adequately to pursue a path based on their skills and interest in order to unlock their true potential. A mentor does not give the mentee all the answers, but assists the mentee in identifying important areas for development. An important aspect of the relationship between a mentor and a mentee is confidentiality and trust, and to ensure that both mentors and mentees understand the requirements of the programme.
Mentors who have taken part in the programme are based across the globe, from Sudan and the UAE to Europe, the US, and Asia. They come from a wide range of fields including architecture, medicine, science and research, economics, and marketing, among many others. What they all share is the passion, and commitment to empowering the next generation of young Sudanese women.
Mentees will cover personal development sessions on positive thinking, self-care and mental health, as well as professional development sessions on public speaking, interview skills, writing job applications, and CV writing. Mentees will also cover sessions on women’s empowerment and the challenges and opportunities in Sudan and globally. Please note that although we have several topics for mentees to cover throughout the 6 month programme, we ask that mentees and mentors tailor the programme to their needs which means that they assess which topics are most relevant and important to the mentees needs.
Mentees are expected to read about the sessions and prepare for them. For example if the upcoming session is on CV writing, mentees can read about how to prepare a CV, and read through some exceptional CV’s in order to effectively prepare for the session. Mentors should work on preparing activities and topics for discussion with their mentees in order to ensure that the mentee learns from the mentor’s experience and background and that the sessions fun and engaging.
Mentees and Mentors are asked to dedicate at least three hours per week to the programme. This includes preparing for sessions, reading around each topic beforehand, putting together key questions for their mentor, and attending the monthly workshops. At the end of each topic, mentees will also complete a short assignment, this could be an essay, a mock interview, a CV, or a short presentation, as well as brief questionnaires at key points throughout the programme. Mentors are asked to come prepared for each session by structuring their sessions, reviewing their mentee's assignments, and attending the monthly mentor sessions. Like mentees, they will also complete short questionnaires before, during, and at the end of the programme.
We ask that mentors and mentees dedicate at least three hours per week to the programme. This includes a one-hour weekly one-to-one online session to work through the ASM curriculum, with the remaining two hours spent on programme such as workshops and short questionnaires. To get the most out of the experience, it's important that both mentors and mentees set aside enough time to prepare for and complete each session.
Mentees will receive a certificate of achievement and be celebrated at a graduation ceremony. They will also automatically become members of the Al Sudaniya Mentoring Network, joining an inspiring community of hardworking, passionate, and dynamic women. Beyond the programme, mentees are welcome to stay in touch with their mentor for advice and guidance on an informal basis.
The programme is in Arabic. Mentors communicate with mentors in both Arabic and English, and the workshops are conducted in Arabic.
No, please complete the application form in whichever language you feel most comfortable with.
No, this programme is completely free of charge.
While the programme has an age requirement, there are still plenty of ways to get involved and stay connected with us. Keep an eye on our Facebook, Instagram, and X pages for updates on upcoming online workshops and new opportunities to join the team.
No, this programme has been designed as a woman to woman programme. Sudanese women mentor Sudanese girls through one to one mentoring, something we see as truly powerful, as Sudanese women support and uplift each other to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. Men can get involved in other ways, so please keep an eye out for opportunities advertised on our social media platforms.
Yes you can apply to be mentee, the main criteria is age.
No you don't need voluntary or work experience to apply to be mentee, you just need to be passionate about developing yourself and your skills.
At the moment we do not have a programme for Sudanese women above 22, but if you are interested in volunteering with us then please have a look at our social media platforms, where we will announce any opportunities. We also have online public workshops open to all Sudanese women to attend.
Applications will open for the 2026 programme in July.
We ask mentees about their experience, why they'd like to join the programme, and the skills they hope to develop. For mentors, we also ask about the skills they can bring to support their mentees. We're looking for mentees who are dedicated and passionate about developing themselves and making a difference in Sudan to become pioneering leaders of the future. For mentors, we're looking for those who are committed to making a positive impact and supporting mentees to unlock their potential.
We carefully match mentors and mentees based on a range of criteria, including academic background, interests, skill set, and the mentee's goals. Using information gathered through the application and interview process, we do our best with the matching process, to make sure mentees and mentors have an enriching experience on the programme.