Launching the Third Cycle of the Award-Winning UCD Bridging Generations African Mentoring Programme

Mary Taiwo Ajide

Oct 19

4 min read

Updated: Oct 20

Mentorship has the power to change trajectories, strengthen communities, and create opportunities that extend far beyond a single conversation.

On 24 September 2026, we celebrated the launch of the third cycle of the UCD Bridging Generations African Mentoring Programme, continuing an initiative dedicated to connecting students with experienced professionals who are willing to share their knowledge, experience, and guidance.

A Programme Built on Connection

At its heart, the Bridging Generations African Mentoring Programme is about creating meaningful connections across generations. By bringing students and experienced professionals together, the programme provides opportunities for mentorship, professional development, knowledge exchange, and the sharing of experiences that can help students navigate their academic and professional journeys.

Each mentoring relationship represents more than an exchange of advice. It creates a space for listening, learning, encouragement, and the development of professional networks that can extend beyond the formal duration of the programme.

The third cycle continues this commitment, bringing together another community of mentors and mentees for a new year of shared learning and growth.

International Recognition for Volunteer Engagement

This year's launch carries particular significance following the programme's international recognition at the 2026 CASE Circle of Excellence Awards, where it received a Silver Award in the Engagement | Volunteer Engagement category.

The recognition reflects the collective commitment of the mentors, mentees, partners, volunteers, and supporters who have contributed to the development of the programme.

It also highlights the important role that volunteer-led mentorship can play in strengthening university communities and creating opportunities for meaningful engagement between students and experienced professionals.

Collaboration Across Organisations

The programme is delivered through collaboration between UCD Alumni, the African Scholars Association Ireland (AfSAI), Proudly Made in Africa (PMIA), and UCD Global Engagement.

This collaborative approach has been central to creating a mentoring community that brings together different experiences, professional backgrounds, and perspectives around a shared commitment to supporting African students.

The continued involvement of these organisations demonstrates what can be achieved when institutions, professional communities, alumni, and volunteers work together around a common purpose.

The People Behind Mentorship

To the mentors who continue to give their time, experience, and insight: thank you.

Mentorship depends on individuals who are willing not simply to share what they know, but also to listen, encourage, challenge, and help others recognise possibilities for their own development. That generosity can have an influence extending far beyond an individual mentoring conversation.

I am equally grateful to UCD Alumni, AfSAI, Proudly Made in Africa, and UCD Global Engagement for their continued partnership and commitment to strengthening meaningful connections within the community.

As the third cycle begins, I look forward to another year of learning, connection, mentorship, and shared growth.

The continued development of the Bridging Generations African Mentoring Programme is a reminder that when people invest their experience in others, they do more than share knowledge. They help create pathways for those who follow.