Khadija Sarfraz
As a young community leader, my passion for mentorship and volunteering began in high school when I supported a younger student as her mentor. I loved teaching her new things, listening to her stories, sharing my own experiences, and watching us grow together. Since then, I’ve been committed to creating supportive spaces for marginalized youth, alongside my friends, through a mentorship program that prioritizes our mentees’ overall well-being above all else. Our work is grounded in equity, empathy, and a shared commitment to learning and growing together.
Meraki Initiative - Peer Mentorship Program
Meraki Initiative's peer mentorship program is a youth-led mentorship program that pairs university and high school students with children from marginalized communities. The project focuses on building confidence, connection, and academic support through weekly one-on-one sessions and monthly enrichment activities. By centering empathy, equity, and cultural humility, the program creates a safe space where mentees feel heard, supported, and empowered to thrive inside and outside the classroom.
https://www.themerakiinitiative.org/homeAbout this Project
Communities Served
My project will involve and/or impact the following communities:
United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
When it comes to community impact projects, the UN has created 17 Sustainable Development Goals. These are the Sustainable Development Goals associated with my project.
How the project works
The mentorship program runs weekly during the school year, pairing mentors with children for one-on-one sessions focused on academic support, confidence-building, and creative activities. In addition to mentoring, the program hosts monthly group events to foster community, encourage fun, and support social and emotional growth.
Project Impact
The project supports underrepresented children through one-on-one mentorship that builds confidence, fosters belonging, and nurtures academic and emotional growth. By creating safe, inclusive spaces, the program empowers mentees to thrive while giving youth mentors and program leads meaningful opportunities to support others and give back to their community.
Project Mission
The project’s mission is to create an inclusive mentorship program where underrepresented children feel seen, heard, and supported
Project Team
Our diverse, multi-generational team brings lived experience, cultural insight, and a shared passion for mentorship.
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