OUR PROGRAMME
Empower’s goal is to increase access to higher education for refugees and other marginalised students in New Zealand. Our programme encourages participants to explore and pursue meaningful careers of their choice, equipping them with the support and resources needed for success.
At its core, Empower fosters meaningful mentoring partnerships, ensuring that both mentors and mentees work towards shared goals. We provide the structure and support needed to make these relationships impactful and successful.
To help participants achieve their aspirations, Empower offers two key programmes:
Workshops
Peer-to-peer mentoring
Our workshops introduce participants to a wide range of essential skills and services to support their transition into higher education or the workforce. These skills may be social, practical, or academic, equipping them for future success.
Peer-to-peer mentoring complements the workshops, providing ongoing support and guidance. These sessions help mentees apply their newly learned skills, address challenges, and further develop areas of need to ensure they are fully prepared for their next steps.
How it works: Mentees
1. Apply: Submit an expression of interest
2. Initial Catch Up: We will arrange a time for us to speak to get to know you better.
3. Matching: We will arrange a time to speak to you to get to know you better. At Empower it is important for us that your family are involved in your mentoring journey - if you are under the age of 18 years old, we will request parental consent and have a conversation with your parents or caregiver about how our programme works and what they can expect from us.
4. Orientation and Launch: You will meet your mentor at a combined orientation.
How it works: Mentors
1. Apply online: Please complete the online application form
2. CV: Please send your CV to info@empoweryouth.org.nz
3. Interview: An Empower team member will be in contact with you to schedule an interview.
4. Background check: Please complete the Police Vetting form below and return via email to info@empoweryouth.org.nz along with TWO forms of identification. At least one form of identification should be photographic. Your primary identification document should ideally be your passport (NZ or overseas). For more information about your secondary identification, please talk to one of our team members.
5. Referees: We will be in contact with the two referees you provide.
6. Mentor Training Session: Before being matched with a mentee, you will attend a training day.
7. Matching: We will review your application and match you with a mentee. The following factors may also be taken into account: similar interests, similar career or study aspirations, location, and hobbies as well as any other factors we may deem appropriate.
8. Orientation and Launch: You will meet your mentee at a combined orientation.