Mentoring Gen Z: The Urgent Call to Shape Our Future

With Dr. Wilbert Mutoko

Introduction

I am deeply fortunate to have benefited from mentorship from an early age, guided by the wisdom and support of my parents, extended family, teachers, lecturers, pastors, and the broader community. Back then, mentorship was more accessible, grounded in a culture where guidance was readily shared, not limited by financial considerations or professional constraints. Today, however, our world has shifted. With the fast-paced demands of modern life, most mentors understandably charge for their time and expertise, and I am grateful for the valuable insights they provide.

Yet, looking to the future, I feel a growing concern. How will the next generation find their way if mentorship becomes a rare privilege? Where will we all stand in the coming decades without a foundation of guidance for young people today? This series is my call to action—a way to inspire and encourage you, dear reader, to consider actively mentoring the youth around us, whether you charge for the service or not. Our future depends on it. Thank you for investing your time in this article. I hope it brings you both insight and inspiration.

Why Mentorship Matters Now More Than Ever

When we look at the young people around us, we see both incredible potential and the risk of a future that lacks guidance and values. These young minds—Gen Z—are the ones who will lead our society forward, but they need mentors to help shape their path. Mentoring even just one youth is not only an act of kindness but a profound responsibility. If we turn a blind eye, we risk leaving our legacy in the hands of unmentored, unguided leaders, doctors, teachers, lawyers, police officers, soldiers, politicians, employees, pastors, entrepreneurs, fathers, mothers, and decision-makers.

Imagine a Future Led by the Unguided

Consider this scenario: you’re older, in need of medical care or legal advice. The doctor treating you or the lawyer advising you may have all the academic qualifications, but without values, empathy, or strong character, their care may lack the depth and integrity you would hope for. If we neglect the responsibility of mentorship, we create a society where we, too, might one day suffer from the repercussions.

“The youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow,” Nelson Mandela reminded us. Imagine what tomorrow looks like if those leaders are left to find their way without guidance.

What Does Mentorship Really Mean?

“Mentoring is not about teaching someone to be like us. It’s about empowering them to find the best version of themselves,” said John Crosby. True mentorship is not about forcing young people to adopt our ways but rather inspiring them to explore their own strengths while grounded in values that matter. They need mentors who don’t judge them by appearances or generational habits but who see their potential and are willing to guide them with patience and purpose.

The Power of Investing in Just One Life

Each of us has something valuable to pass on, whether it’s the lessons we’ve learned through struggle, the resilience we’ve developed, or the wisdom gained over years. Mentoring one youth can create a ripple effect. The time you invest in them now may come back as a healthier, kinder, and wiser society for all of us to live in.

Imagine a world where the next generation of professionals—the doctors, lawyers, business leaders, and politicians—are not only competent but also compassionate, ethical, and strong. This future isn’t a given; it’s one we must actively help build.

Mentorship as Legacy: Why It’s Essential for Our Future

One of the greatest acts of mentorship is leaving a legacy that lives beyond us. Henry Adams once said, “A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops.” Mentorship is our opportunity to shape the future and to create leaders who value integrity and purpose. By guiding just one young person, you contribute to a better future for everyone.

A Call to Action: Mentor One Youth, Without Judgment

Let this be your call to action. Find one young person to mentor—whether it’s your child, a relative, a neighbor, a child attending a school near you, or a young person at work. Be there for them, share your experiences, offer advice, and simply listen. Mentorship doesn’t require grand gestures; it only needs genuine commitment and an open heart.

Conclusion

This is Part 1 of a series on mentorship. Let’s build a future where every young person has a mentor to guide them, where no youth is left unguided, and where the legacy we leave is one of compassion, wisdom, and resilience. Let’s shape the future together, one young person at a time.

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Image credit: The image was made with the assistance of DALLE