Building confidence and growth: our time together on the Mentoring Programme
What is it like to join the Routes Mentoring Programme, and start working together with someone you have never met before? In this blog, mentee Momima and her mentor Kristina share their experiences.
Momima joined Routes to to map her options for work in health and social care in future. However, she first wanted to build confidence in her English, and find her professional vocabulary. Kristina, her mentor, works at Health Innovation East. A trained pharmacist by background, she was paired with Momima, to support her to map her next steps in the UK. ‘Over the course of our mentorship, we celebrated many small victories’.
In her own words: mentee Momima
I’m going to write about the Routes Mentoring Programme, which has positively impacted my life as a mentee. This programme has certainly improved the lives of many refugee and asylum-seeking women in London. It fosters a supportive community, offering additional training and opportunities, while mentors gain compassionate leadership skills. Mentors help mentees build self-confidence and expand their networks.
Four months ago, one of my friends, Ciara, informed me about this programme. I filled out the online form and registered with the organisation.
On the first day, I arrived at the Routes Mentoring office, which was beautifully decorated. I was quite nervous but also excited. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming. When I first met the Routes Manager, Tamana, I felt very happy because she was so friendly and cooperative. She introduced me to her other colleagues, who were also awesome. Then, she gave me my mentor's contact details so we could connect with each other. She also provided me with a laptop, a Wi-Fi box, and an Oyster card to help me attend both online and in-person meetings.
Mentor Kristina (left) and mentee Momima.
Celebrating their time together, after four months of mentoring. London, January 2025.
As part of this programme, I met with my mentor, Kristina, almost every week. She is from Greece and has experience working as a pharmacist. Kristina is very easygoing and helpful. She started by asking about my goals and the areas I wanted to improve, such as my English proficiency and self-confidence. She has always encouraged me to pursue my goals and emphasised the importance of building confidence, expanding professional networks, and improving my language skills.
“She has always encouraged me to pursue my goals and emphasised the importance of building confidence, expanding professional networks, and improving my language skills.”
The Routes Mentoring Programme has significantly influenced my life by providing personalised support and resources. With the support of my mentor and the Routes team, it has helped me develop independence, build relationships, access opportunities, and set clear goals. It has also had a huge impact on my self-belief and capacity to succeed.
In her own words: mentor Kristina
I also wanted to share my experience as a mentor in the Routes Mentoring Programme. Supporting my mentee has been such a rewarding journey. From our very first meeting, I was impressed by her lovely smile, amazing personality, determination and eagerness to grow. Together, we set clear goals and worked on practical steps to achieve them - whether it was practising English, or building confidence.
Over the course of our mentorship, we celebrated many small victories—each one a testament to her hard work and resilience. It’s been so fulfilling to witness her not only improve in her skills but also embrace new challenges with unwavering determination. The bond we’ve built over time has been incredibly special, and I truly feel honoured to have been a part of her journey.
Picture: Momima and Kristina (with red party hats) with fellow mentors and mentees at the Celebration Event.
As a mentor, I’ve not only been able to provide guidance but also learned so much in the process. I’ve gained a deeper understanding of the challenges refugees and asylum-seeking women face, and it’s given me a new perspective on resilience and perseverance. Watching my mentee grow in confidence, improve her skills, and take steps toward her goals has been incredibly inspiring. It's been a privilege getting to know her and watching her grow!
“[As a mentor...] I’ve gained a deeper understanding of the challenges refugees and asylum-seeking women face, and it’s given me a new perspective on resilience and perseverance”
The Routes Mentoring Programme has been a truly transformative experience for both of us. It creates a space where women can build their independence, form meaningful relationships, access opportunities, and set achievable goals. For me, it’s also been a chance to grow as a compassionate leader and give back to the community in a way that’s both personal and impactful.
This programme has had a lasting impact on both my mentee’s life and mine. It’s not just about supporting someone—it’s about sharing in their journey, their challenges, and their triumphs. It’s a wonderful example of how mentorship can foster hope, confidence, and a sense of belonging, and I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of such an incredible initiative.
Are you interested in joining the Routes Mentoring Programme as a mentor? Applications for our autumn programme open on the 8th of March - International Women’s Day. Applications for mentees open later in Spring. We run two Mentoring Programmes a year, working with over 50 participants each Programme.
Mentor Zara writes about her time on the Routes Mentoring Programme. Read about Zara’s meetings with her mentee, connecting with fellow mentors, and the benefits of the training components for her leadership skills.