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14 Apr 2026
2 mins
Guiding the Next Generation: Fundamentals of Mentoring

Young SMOU (YSMOU) continues to strengthen its mentoring culture through the Mentoring Fundamental Workshop, equipping youth members with the skills and confidence to guide the next generation of seafarers. On 25 March 2026, YSMOU held the second run of the workshop at the Lifelong Learning Institute, bringing together 17 youth members eager to learn the essentials of effective mentorship.

Led by trainer Yeok from Bold at Work, the session introduced participants to the core principles and responsibilities of being a mentor. The workshop began with an open discussion on the do’s and don’ts of mentoring, allowing participants to share their perspectives and reflect on what successful mentorship looks like.

This was followed by an introduction to different mentoring stances and approaches, encouraging members to consider how they can best guide, support, and empower their mentees in different situations.

Through guided discussions, participants explored the types of questions they would ask mentees and the expectations needed to build strong mentoring relationships. The trainer also shared insights on relational styles in mentoring, highlighting the importance of setting clear boundaries, managing expectations, and adapting communication to different personalities.

The workshop concluded with role-playing exercises, where participants stepped into the shoes of mentors and navigated real-life situations commonly faced by young seafarers. The scenarios provided valuable hands-on practice in applying empathy, active listening, and thoughtful guidance.

As the session wrapped up, participants reflected on their key takeaways, with many highlighting the importance of building trust, communicating effectively, and developing meaningful mentor-mentee relationships. Through initiatives like this, YSMOU continues to nurture a new generation of mentors ready to support and uplift the maritime community.