Theoretical underpinnings of a Student Mentoring Programme at an historically Black university in South Africa

Abstract

This paper outlines the theoretical underpinnings of a pilot peer-based student mentoring programme at an historically black university (HBU) in South Africa. Firstly, we describe the social and political context which shaped the conceptualisation of this kind of student development programme. We also provide an exposition of mentoring as a backdrop to our description of the structure and functioning of the programme. Finally, the merits of the programme are evaluated and discussed from the perspective of student participants and their mentors.