Tent's Global Mentorship Initiative
Tent's mentorship programs for refugees matches refugee mentees with mentors from major companies who they share an affinity with. Through these programs, mentors provide their refugee mentees with individualized support to help them learn about the job market and workplace norms in their new host country. Refugees also strengthen their skills and expand their professional networks, while mentors build their communication, leadership, and intercultural skills – and become champions for refugee inclusion.
The Initiative launched in 2020 with an initial focus on LGBTQ refugees in North America, which has since expanded to the United Kingdom and Germany. Tent also offers a mentorship program for refugee women in Europe, and in 2023 launched mentorship programs for Afghan refugees, refugee women, and Hispanic refugees in the United States.
MENTORSHIP MATTERS
As refugees often face challenges seeking employment in a new country – including not knowing where to look for a job, lack of a social network, and unfamiliarity with local workplace norms – mentorship that focuses on professional development offers a critical pathway for refugees to unlock their potential.
Serving as a mentor is an opportunity to share your knowledge and expertise with refugees who can benefit greatly from this guidance. This individualized support will help mentees to settle on career goals and strategy, build professional networks, navigate the job market in their new country, and find and secure more advanced jobs.
In addition, mentees will have the opportunity to build a meaningful relationship with their mentor, increase their self-confidence, and gain a sense of belonging in their new community.