
CORE SERVICES
OTHER PROGRAMS
Youth Mentorship Program
At Kababayan, we recognize that many immigrant youth face uncertainty as they navigate life in Canada — wondering what their future holds, how to find their path, or where to turn for support. Whether it’s applying to post-secondary programs, exploring career options, or simply trying to build connections in a new environment, the journey can be challenging. But it doesn’t have to be walked alone.
The Kababayan Youth Mentorship Program was created to provide a safe and supportive space where immigrant and newcomer youth are paired with mentors who understand their lived experiences. These mentors, whether professionals or students, offer more than just advice. They serve as role models, motivators, and guides who walk alongside youth as they take their next steps.
This program is about building meaningful relationships and creating access: access to knowledge, to networks, and to the kind of encouragement that helps you believe in yourself and your potential.
Through this program, menteees will:
Connect with professionals or fellow students who can offer insights into different careers and post-secondary pathways
Receive guidance and encouragement to help build confidence and a sense of direction
Develop realistic career or academic goals, and learn how to take actionable steps to achieve them
Strengthen networking and communication skills, with opportunities to expand personal and professional connections
Gain a trusted mentor who can answer questions, provide support, and celebrate progress along the way

How it works?
Registration: Sign up below to join the program!
Assigned Mentor: Based on the information you shared in the registration form, we will match you with a mentor who aligns with your career or academic interests.
One-on-One Support: After you're matched, you'll start your mentorship journey with personalized guidance and resources tailored to your goals. You and your mentor can connect in person, online, or by phone, whatever works best for both of you.
Group Activities: You’ll also be invited to group sessions like networking events, workshops, and community gatherings to build skills and connect with other youth and mentors.
Who are the mentors?
Our mentors are immigrant professionals, university students, and community leaders from a wide range of backgrounds and fields. Many of them were once newcomers or immigrants themselves, and they understand the unique challenges of settling into life in Canada.
They know what it’s like to navigate post-secondary education, apply for jobs, or build a career path in a new country. They’ve been where you are, and now they want to help you move forward and reach your goals.
How to apply for the program?
Mentees
To join, mentees must be 15-29 years old and either:
Permanent Residents
Convention Refugees
Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) visa holders
Temporary Resident Visa Holder (for Families Affected by the Gaza Crisis)
Mentors
Are you an immigrant who has successfully navigated post-secondary education or established yourself in your career?
By becoming a mentor, you can support immigrant and newcomer youth in gaining clarity and confidence as they plan their future. You will provide career guidance, advice, networking opportunities, and support for post-secondary pathways, while also helping them build resilience and motivation as they navigate life in Canada.
This is more than just volunteering. It is a meaningful way to invest in the next generation of leaders while strengthening your own leadership, communication, and coaching skills.
Kababayan mentors must be 20 years or above, and either:
Immigrant enrolled in post-secondary schools (colleges/ universities)
Established immigrant currently working in different professions (e.g. nursing, engineering, architecture, etc.)
Be willing to commit a minimum of 5 hours / month to connect regularly with youth
Be open to sharing experiences about school, career, or adapting to life in Canada
Be willing to complete a Vulnerable Sector Check, as required when working with youth
For any questions, please contact:

Shane Torres, RSW
Youth and Family Support Counsellor
Language: English, Tagalog

Vince Andrew Tangco, SSW
Youth Community Support Counsellor
Language: English, Tagalog
Email address: vtangco@kababayan.org
Contact Number: 647-328-9239
