Towards evaluating the contributions of Youth Mentoring in enhancing National Development

Abstract

This study assesses the contributions of youth mentoring to improving national development. Using a phenomenological research design, pragmatist philosophy, and purposive sampling technique, fourteen participants from four Classical Pentecostal Churches, including The Apostolic Church – Ghana, Christ Apostolic Church International, Assemblies of God, Ghana, and The Church of Pentecost, were available for interview. In responding to the question, “What are the contributions of youth mentoring in enhancing national development?” participants reveal that, by stimulating and developing the creativity, innovation, and competence of young people, youth mentoring contributes to the development of a nation’s economy, society, and religion. For the economy, it promotes the following: the production of goods, services, or products to reduce pressure on the local currency; the creation of jobs to reduce the unemployment rate; and investments to boost the economy, among others. For society, youth mentoring promotes prosperity, inclusion, and peace, enabling others to thrive and resulting in more resilient, interconnected communities. It also encourages coexistence, helping reduce conflict and violence, among other benefits. In religion, it promotes religious culture and beliefs, and the transmission of faith to younger generations, including producing capable leaders able to promote inter- and intra-religious dialogue and/or tolerance, among others.