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Mentorship Network
Free online mentoring for Afghan women and young people: careers, study and scholarships, business and leadership
First cohort: applications open
A mentor is someone who has walked the path and shares that experience with you. In this network, every accepted participant is paired with an experienced volunteer mentor, in Afghanistan or across the Afghan diaspora, for three months. Sessions are online, free and confidential. The network serves both the Women’s Academy and the University Network and replaces two earlier, separate programmes.
Four mentoring tracks
Career track
For: Job seekers, graduates, new employees
CV and cover letter writing, interview preparation, online and remote work, career planning.
Companion course: Professional CV WritingAcademic & scholarship track
For: School students, university students and scholarship applicants
Study methods, choosing a subject and university, motivation letters, language-test preparation, balancing study and life.
Companion programme: University PathwayBusiness track
For: People who run or want to start a small or home-based business
Testing an idea, pricing, selling online, bookkeeping, financial safety and measured growth.
Companion course: Idea to BusinessLeadership track
For: Community activists, group leaders and volunteers
Self-awareness, leading a team, communication and ethical influence, designing and running a small community project.
Companion course: Foundations of LeadershipHow mentoring works
Apply for mentoring (career, business, leadership)Apply for academic & scholarship mentoring
Safety, respect and privacy
Sessions use well-known platforms (Google Meet or Zoom); in-person meetings are not part of the programme.
Never share your address, ID number or other sensitive details, nobody in the programme will ask for them.
Every mentor is reviewed before acceptance and agrees to the Youth Parliament code of conduct.
If you experience inappropriate behaviour, write immediately to [email protected]; reports are handled confidentially.
Become a mentor
If you have at least 3 years of professional or academic experience in one of the four tracks and can give two hours a month, you can change a young person’s life. Afghan professionals inside and outside the country, especially women professionals, are welcomed with priority.
Frequently asked questions
Is mentoring free?
Yes, completely free, you will never be asked to pay.
Who can apply?
Afghan women and young people aged 16+, inside or outside Afghanistan. Under-18s need family consent.
When will I hear back?
Applications are reviewed in order and we usually reply within two to three weeks. If no suitable mentor is available yet, you stay on the waiting list and we keep you informed.
In which language?
Dari, Pashto or English, depending on the mentor and your preference.
Can I take a course at the same time?
Yes, we recommend pairing mentoring with one of the free courses in the Online Learning Hub.