Introduction: Globally, over 8 million children reside in institutional settings (Reuters Foundation). Youth aging out of orphanages often face significant challenges including homelessness, unemployment, and mental health struggles due to inadequate preparation and resources. Vision House Project (VHP), a Honduran non-profit, supports youth transitioning to independent living but requires additional mentors beyond its two founders to meet growing needs.
Objectives: This project aimed to develop and implement a culturally appropriate, evidence-based mentorship training program enabling experienced VHP residents and community members to support recently aged-out youth.
Methods: A comprehensive scoping review identified effective mentor qualities and program attributes, informing a two-part intervention: (1) personal development equipping participants with essential mental health skills, and (2) mentorship skills acquisition. The occupational therapy program utilized a strength-based theoretical framework, developed with subject matter experts. Effectiveness was evaluated using mixed methods, measuring knowledge, self-efficacy, and mentorship efficacy with validated instruments at pre/post-program intervals (n=2).
Results/Practical Implications: Program outcomes revealed significant benefits across multiple dimensions. Participants demonstrated measurable increases in knowledge, self-efficacy, and mentorship confidence. Qualitative assessments identified substantial personal development and enhanced interpersonal competencies. Findings indicate mentorship programs should: prioritize personal development components, intentionally design session structures, leverage participants' lived experiences, and employ strengths-based approaches over deficit-focused methodologies.
Conclusion: Occupational therapy's holistic approach proved uniquely effective in developing mentorship programming. This initiative extends the profession's impact in developing nations while demonstrating that meaningful change requires educational innovation and immediate action. Culturally relevant, strength-based methodologies create sustainable impact in underserved communities globally.