“The Umi Mentorship program has been very informative. A great opportunity for discussion and I’m inspired to bring this back to work and to my life. It was great to get the techniques and know I can use them every day, anywhere and any time for any problem in motherhood.
This was a very well-done opportunity with great sessions fulfilled by good speakers and experienced and loving mothers. An awesome work and content that was relevant and well discussed. All the sessions and conversations with my mentor confirmed my beliefs and values; it allowed me a voice. I totally enjoyed it and learned a lot in a comfortable environment.”
Khumoetsile M. (Botswana)
“[My mentor’s] advice, wisdom, encouragement, and kindness have meant the world to me during this transformative time in my life. Especially if I reflect back on the first session we had and then compare it to these last ones, these are two different people but in one body.
Her practical advice and empathetic approach have not only made motherhood, being a big sister and a wife feel less overwhelming but have also given me the confidence to embrace this journey wholeheartedly knowing that the challenges will pass and I am just going through them. I truly appreciate how she took the time to listen, offer insights, and share experiences that helped me navigate challenges and celebrate milestones. Most of all I like that I consciously think differently and more positively.
I will forever cherish the lessons I’ve learned from her and the impact it has made on my life. Like I had shared before this impact is already cascading to the people around me all thanks to you.
I also want to take this opportunity to thank Umi for Mothers for this privilege, this has forever changed my life and I will be willing to support in any way to ensure more mothers enjoy this great honour.”
– Daisy Awachorac. (Uganda, Cohort 3).
I feel so privileged to be part of this mentorship program as a mentee. It has alerted my consciousness of me not being the only mum chasing her career but that there are other mums in the same boat. I believe we’ll achieve our dreams soonest. It has also given me the privilege to express myself to my mentor. Fortunately I’ve known her for 2 decades but there wasn’t a formal connectivity before now. She has really been so helpful guiding me, mentoring me and exposing me to some professional realities as she is a senior colleague and a well experienced one at that. She has also given me tips and guide on being a successful mother while building my career. I’m really elated to be part of this program. Thank you UMI!
– Mercy R. (Nigeria, Cohort 1)
“I had an incredibly positive experience navigating the challenges of motherhood, thanks to the interactive trainings, the supportive mothers in my minicircle, the larger mothers’ team, and the dedicated coordinators. The mentorship program was truly eye-opening, offering valuable insights and guidance that enriched my journey.
Above all, I am deeply grateful for being part of a community that was not only supportive but also deeply relatable. We shared each other’s struggles with empathy and care, embracing the unpredictable moments of managing life with kids.
I am especially thankful to the thoughtful souls who designed this program to reach African mothers, recognizing and addressing the daily challenges we face in motherhood. Their efforts have made a profound difference in our lives”
– Bethlehem Hailu (Ethiopia, Cohort 3).
“…I urge other mothers to join the Umi mentorship program to get clarity and life balance.”
– Roselyn Okon (Nigeria, Cohort 3)
The UMI mentorship program was therapeutic for me. Having to speak to another woman who has walked in my shoes and ready to help me navigate this season. My mentor literally did this. She helped me unpack me journey into marriage and motherhood, helped me set goals as a mother, wife and career woman, and made me see the endless possibilities before me. I’m truly grateful for this experience and I’m already seeing results. I’m super grateful for the opportunity.
– Juwonlo M. (Nigeria, Cohort 2)
– Fatima Mootseng (Namibia, Cohort 3)
With my Umi mentor, we talked about me creating a source of income from my knowledge of sign language. This made me register for an international course and I am still learning. My conversations with my mentor challenged me to put myself out there and try new things, new systems that cut across my role as a mother and in all other areas of my life. The mentorship program was an experience of a lifetime.
– Blessing U. (Nigeria)
“Umi for Mothers is a wonderful opportunity for African mothers to connect and be mentored by academics, business women, and industry leads who carry the same responsibility over the family. Throughout my mentorship I received great advice and support from my mentor, on issues around childcare, marriage, dealing with family and in-laws, managing my career, and time-keeping and staying organised. There is no such inclusive mentorship programme that supports, encourages, and uplifts African mothers who are change-makers, activists, academics, and business women. I am grateful for the opportunity Umi for Mothers gave me.”
– Adhieu M. (South Sudan)
What stood out for me from my conversation with my mentor is that I shouldn’t allow my life to remain stagnant because I am a mother. I should make sure I still keep doing things that make me happy as a woman. I am grateful for the experience.
– Maryam 0 (Nigeria)
“The program came when I was at my lowest moment. I was at a time where I wasn’t confident in my abilities and I was waiting for others to acknowledge my abilities till the mentorship started and I was advised to show myself love by letting me know about my abilities. And tell myself things I wish others would tell me.
I was told I should do self discovery, self branding and networking. This helped my career journey and boosted my confidence when applying for jobs. I have also learnt to have Me time in order to rest and be able to take good care of my little one.
The mentorship was great as having to talk to one person made me feel like I’m talking to a friend rather than feeling like being interrogated. That feeling made me open up to her and have that deep and personal understanding.
I also loved the zoom meeting with others where the facilitator was talking about behaviour and mental well being. I learnt one or two things as a mother. The journey with Umi for mothers has been nothing but great.”
– Martha N. (Malawi)
My mentor is very attentive, accessible and is passionate about my progress. She keeps me accountable in making sure that I achieve the goal I set for myself. I am so glad to be matched with her.
– Blessing O. (Nigeria)
My mentor taught me self-care practice, the need to constantly appreciate myself. We talked about wellbeing practice like taking myself out without waiting or expecting someone to do it for me so as to avoid being frustrated. I learnt financial management practices and so much more that help me get clarity in my life. I am grateful for the opportunity.
– Suzanne C. (Kenya)
“Going through the Umi mentorship program has been a truly transformative experience for me.
In these three months, I learnt the importance of self-care and how I cannot pour from an empty cup. I also gained deep insights into letting go of generational trauma, ensuring I don’t pass them down to my children. The knowledge, support, and community I found in this program have been invaluable. I am truly grateful for the experience and highly recommend it to every mom looking to grow, heal, and thrive.”
– Abidemi Faloye (Nigeria, Cohort 3)
The mentorship program was very insightful and inspiring for me.
It helped me review my goals and re-evaluate myself.
It also help me to gain courage to face my fears.
My sessions with my mentor were very inspiring and it helped me realize that there is no excuse for complacency. The assignments from my mentor helped me research and motivated me to dream again.
The book project: Eat that frog, helped me to face my major weakness and avoid procrastination. Thank you so much for the idea of the mentorship program. It came at a perfect time when I really needed someone to talk to.
– Eunice A.
UMI Mentorship has made me rediscover myself and given me a clearer perspective to purpose. Most importantly I have a network of quality networks, which has re-establish the fact that life should not be done alone.
– Esther O.
“I am writing this note to express my deep gratitude and appreciation for the extraordinary journey I have experienced over the past three months through the UMI Mentorship Program. It has been an incredibly enriching time that has not only broadened my perspective but also profoundly impacted my personal and professional growth as a mother.
Each session felt like a new door opening to powerful insights and had I know moments, and I am immensely grateful for the care and thoughtfulness you put into bringing top-notch professionals to lead these transformative learning experiences. Their expertise, and vulnerability, combined with the well-curated sessions, have truly made this mentorship program invaluable. The opportunity to learn from industry experts and passionate professionals who were all women was remarkable, and I feel both honoured and privileged to have been part of such a well-organized and inspiring program as a mother.
Thank you for creating a space that encourages openness, and growth, supports transformation, and continuously inspires excellence. The mini circles were yet another fantastic space to build bonds, relationships, strength, and even heal by sharing similar values, laughter, pain, and struggle with other mothers across Africa.”
– Della W. Joseph (Nigeria, Cohort 3)
The Umi mentorship program was really helpful. My mentor gave me a sense of upliftment and helped me improve in my prayer life. I’m so grateful to everyone who made the program a success. May God bless you all.
– Oluchi A.
“I joined Umi for Mothers at a time when I had no female friends due to my conservative nature. But here I am, I have gotten friends not only within Nigeria but outside of Nigeria too. We have shared with one another issues bothering on motherhood and even personal issues. I had access to one on one mentorship too. Then the workshop which was held weekly was simply amazing. All thanks to UMI. UMI is just a holistic program for mums.
For me, the workshop sessions and the community support stood out, and I am still basking in the euphoria of all the joys, lessons, support, challenges and ecstasy shared.
Thank you so much UMI for showing me how to be a better version of myself. I am forever grateful to be an alumnus of UMI.”
– Grace M. (Nigeria, Cohort 3)
“I’m Masika Meresi from Uganda, a mother of two boys…. Before joining Umi mentorship cohort 3, I was always stressed but after 3 months mentorship, I’m a healed mother, and this is the best gift I’m giving my two boys. Thank you Moyinoluwa and Tolulope for bringing all the knowledgeable, intelligent and powerful women to talk with us every Saturday.
To my mentor mama Sefe Osinoki, I’m grateful to God that the Umi team matched me with you. You have done a lot of work with me. Thanks for mentoring me, for all the precious time sessions. Through your mentoring me, I have been able to found a community based organization called “spes 4 community” where I am empowering young mothers and adolescents with knowledge about SRHR entrepreneurship skills and vocational skilling. Thanks for being a spiritual figure, a friend, a sister and a guide. I’m glad I met you. Words can’t express my gratitude.
– Masika Meresi (Uganda, Cohort 3)
To learn more about the Umi Mentorship Program, click here.