Current estimates for the Middle East region in 2010 show a level of unemployment at 10.3% – the highest regional rate in the world.(ILO 2011)
Arab countries alone need to create about 80 million new jobs by 2020, according to the World Bank. 50% of the population in the MENA region are under 16 years old and will soon enter the employment market, which currently cannot support them. In every country in the world, there is continued disparity of wealth and embedded inequalities. This means a lack of opportunities for those living in ‘pockets’ of joblessness. These pockets exist in the UK as well as developing country economies. (Find out more about Where we Work.)
Unemployed people are our ultimate beneficiaries. We believe that a highly effective way to create long term, sustainable employment opportunities is by supporting those who create those jobs. These people are the leaders of new and growing SMEs: entrepreneurs. We want entrepreneurs to benefit from mentoring primarily for the long-term, positive impact this can have on the communities in which they operate. This is why we work with those who have the potential to create jobs and wealth: private businesses (“for profit” entrepreneurs) from all backgrounds, ages and sectors, but whose businesses could grow and have a significant impact.
We also want to support entrepreneurs who are working directly for social or community benefit, whether or not job creation is part of the package. If they can make a difference through being successful, we want to support them.
Why Mentoring?
“I truly believe in encouraging, supporting and harnessing the talent of people within communities who can make a difference to the world. ” Ian McKay, CEO of Mowgli Foundation
The Mowgli Foundation recognises the value and power of mentoring to drive real change in societies and for entrepreneurs.
Mowgli Entrepreneur Ramzi and his mentor Phil
Our mentoring relationships are so valuable to participants that 80% of Mowgli mentoring relationships continue after the end of the programme. Excitingly, Mowgli entrepreneurs often collaborate on enterprising projects together; and both mentors and mentees will expand their networks across international borders through taking part in our unique MME experience.
The direct output of a Mowgli programme is that entrepreneurs feel valued, empowered and inspired to create change and become successful. Then when they complete a programme, they become mentors themselves and support others around them to carry on doing the same- a positive circle.
- Learn more about what mentoring is here
- Find out more about How it Works.
- Read about entrepreneurship and why it’s important for our economies
Most of all, this is why we do it ….Some testimonials
“I think everyone needs it at some time in the company’s life. For me, even though my business and I were mature in a way, mentoring helped my on a higher level, things I used to take for granted and never thought about needing advice before! I was also lucky to have a very good mentor, very friendly and who knows his business well. We instantly clicked and became close friends.”
“The change started from the first meeting with all Mentors, this change let me go to the next level. thank you Mowgli
”“I’m more efficient in defining goals and working to achieve them”
“I learned to plan ahead and follow up on my decisions. I learned to better to listen to my partner/brother and debate our ideas instead of a one way communication. I learned to make team members accountable.”
“I became more strong in facing critical decisions, I feel more confident in facing hard times (may be failures), I became more clear in defining my goals, and I feel happy
”“I feel more confident when I make decisions.”
“Encouraged me to have more drive, more energy & take risks.”
“My mentor has helped in being confident about the business.”
“He (my mentor) can help me when i feel get problems or troubles, and we have plan we are going to achieve it.”
“My mentoring relationship is great, we are on schedule for our calls and follow-ups, my mentor is excellent in her ideas and recommendations, we are trying to find more ideas within the scope of our business to enrich it more.”
- Read Mowgli Case Studies
- Read our FAQ
- How It Works
