Empowering youth with Relationships, Resources, and Real experience to be the change they want to see

Our innovative international e-mentoring program, interACT, focuses on leadership, character and career development, incorporating a fully sponsored life-changing trip to NY as part of the mentoring process. 

March 5, 2010 - If you’re interested in being a mentor for our March or July interACT program launches, please apply here!

A Glimpse into interACT:  We’ve completed 1 year of our program, with 9 of the mentees visiting NY.  Below:  Reflections on interACT, by mentor, Eli Fuchsberg

Safwat’s inspiring visit to New York

After being matched with my mentee, six months followed of Jamba Juice fundraisers, benefit concerts, video making, and most importantly, a continued dialogue with my mentee, Safwat. Through the conversational prompts on I-Mentor, I had learned not just about this diligent student from half-way around the world, but myself as well. While the experience of conversing with peers, offering advice, and sharing opinions can be commonplace, to be able to do this with a student from the diverse background of Cape Town was truly a unique experience. Searching for answers and providing advice to situations I had not previously been confronted with required searching myself, and at times, even asking peers for advice as well.
When the holidays finally came I couldn’t believe that Safwat was actually coming to America! Acting as a tour guide while watching Safwat’s interest in my favorite neighborhood, museums, broadway show, and pizza place made me think of these familiar sights in a new light. When I asked Safwat what his favorite part of the day was, licking his lips, he said, “that was some tasty pizza.” Although unplanned, I couldn’t help but agree. Something so commonplace and simple, when viewed from this outside context, was pretty amazing. At the mentor appreciation dinner I was talked into trying a sautéed tree worm - viewed from this outside context, not so amazing.
Through the mentoring program I learned about Safwat’s family, town, sports team, and school. Me and Safwat discussed the differences between American and South African schools, the importance of internships as a way to gain knowledge, and being true to oneself. I left Safwat with a white dress shirt for interviews and gave a promise to help with his resume. Safwat has become a representative for ACT in Cape Town and is to sit for his graduating exams in the upcoming month.
It is these unique experiences and shared dialogue that make the ACT mentoring program so powerful. To be able to connect to someone from halfway around the world who is searching himself is truly an Inspiration. I am grateful for the opportunity to have participated in the ACT mentoring program and for having a mentee like Safwat.

Meet the Mentees! Learn more about the lives touched by the interACT Mentoring Program.