Celebrating the Heart of Our Programme: Mentorship
- Ruth First Trust
- 13 minutes ago
- 4 min read
At the Ruth First Jeppe Memorial Trust, we believe that education is far more than academic achievement alone. It is about nurturing confident, resilient, socially aware young women who step boldly into their futures. Our mentorship programme — combining adult mentorship with peer mentorship — stands at the centre of this commitment.
The Power of Mentorship
While strong academic support is essential, we know that true transformation requires holistic growth. Our mentorship programme supports the emotional, social, and personal development of every Ruthie, ensuring she is nurtured not only as a student but as a whole young woman.
Adult Mentorship: Guidance, Stability, and Growth
Our adult mentors offer what many young people need most: a steady, trusted presence. They bring professional experience, life wisdom, and a compassionate listening ear.
The goal of the adult mentorship helps the girls strengthen:
· Emotional intelligence
· Self-confidence and self-belief
· Leadership skills and decision-making
· Resilience and problem-solving abilities
· Career and future awareness
Many girls describe this support as a refuge — a place where emotions are understood, challenges are shared, and solutions are built together.
Peer Mentorship: Connection, Belonging, and Shared Growth
Peer mentorship brings the Ruthie sisterhood to life. Older girls guide, encourage, and support younger recipients, helping them navigate school life both socially and academically.
Through peer mentorship, the girls develop:
· Friendship and belonging
· Communication and social skills
· Confidence and self-expression
· Leadership abilities and responsibility
· Healthy study and school habits
The result is a community where girls uplift one another, celebrate one another, and grow together.
Facilitated by ecl & Raymond Nettmann
Our mentorship programme is facilitated by Raymond Nettmann, a clinical psychologist deeply committed to adolescent wellbeing. Raymond works through ecl, a Johannesburg-based non-profit dedicated to strengthening young people’s emotional health, creativity, and love of learning through therapeutic, reflective, and experiential programmes.
Raymond’s expertise ensures that mentorship remains a space grounded in psychological insight, emotional safety, and meaningful personal growth.
What the Girls Say: In Their Own Words
The heart of the programme is best expressed by the girls themselves. Their reflections this year have been deeply moving and affirming:
“This programme helped me break out of my shell. The way they include everyone in everything they do makes me feel safe and at home.”
“It feels like a sanctuary… I get to confide in people who are like my parents but less strict and more understanding. I also love that I meet Ruthies in other grades who I can run to for help at school.”
“In all honesty I really love coming — I can depend on my mentors and friends for help. It is a place where I have an outlet and emotional support.”
“I am grateful to have dates put aside to ensure I am well taken care of, and I love every person I come across at mentorship.”
“Even though we wake up early on a Saturday, it is so nice to be with people who really care, and I feel so refreshed afterwards.”
“These sessions help me to laugh and interact with people of different ages and grades… they have eased my social anxiety and I am grateful to be part of such a cheerful and empowering community.”
“These sessions are filled with insightful lessons and laughter. We learn new things about ourselves and about other people.”
“This programme is meaningful to me. I met a lot of new people and consider them my second family. They are the reason I feel inspired to keep going.”
“We can share our thoughts without judging each other. My mentor is such a caring and peaceful soul and I love her loads.”
“The mentorship sessions help my lungs and shoulders feel free to breathe and relax again. This space brings constructive solutions and helps me unwind from academic stresses and fears about the future.”
“We get to encourage and inspire each other… we are not just Ruthies, we are sisters who support each other in times of need and in joyful times.”
Each quote is a reminder of how vital emotional safety, community, and belonging are in a young person’s development — and how powerfully mentorship can shape a girl’s confidence and resilience.
Honouring the Mentors Who Give So Generously
None of this growth would be possible without our remarkable mentors.
We extend heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated mentors, which includes several of our alumnae, who consistently show up with wisdom, empathy, and commitment. Our alumnae mentors' involvement is a living testament to the strength and legacy of our community.
Looking Ahead
As we close another year, we celebrate the growth, courage, and connection that the mentorship programme has nurtured in our Ruthies. We remain devoted to strengthening this essential pillar of support so that every girl in our care continues to flourish — academically, socially, emotionally, and personally.
Robyn Hill
Trust Manager
Ruth First Jeppe Memorial Trust
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