M.A.N.A.
"I enjoyed this programme the most because uni felt so
different from high school. Moving out from home and going to
uni was a lot to deal with. However, the experiences shared in
the café series helped me to understand the changes around me and
overcome them using the speaker's words of
wisdom"
2011 participant
M.A.N.A. stands for Mentoring, Active Networking and
Alumni
This programme assists young women aged 18 and 19 years old who
are in their first year of tertiary training or early
career. This year long support helps the young women to
achieve their educational and personal goals in the year after they
have left school. This next phase of their lives is often
challenging.
M.A.N.A. is a combination of peer mentoring support
along with a series of networking events where women can discuss
relevant issues.
As part of the YWCA's wrap-around
support we connect the young women with YWCA resources, peer
mentors and with tertiary institutions in Auckland.
PEER MENTORING 
The young women are matched with a peer mentor aged between 20
and 25 years old. They are in contact weekly, meet monthly
and attend the networking events together.
Having walked similar paths with tertiary or early workforce
experience, the mentors are there to listen when there are
challenges and are able to talk through issues or suggest support
that may be needed.
"I hope that we will learn from each other and that we may be
friends even after the programme this year."
The Peer Mentors receive training and ongoing support from the
YWCA throughout the programme.
ACTIVE NETWORKING
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Invitations to the quarterly networking
events are extended to Future Leaders graduates, past
mentors, YWCA supporters and other interested young
women. "I'm hoping to learn more about life and to network
with other women, who have already accomplished what I
hope to in the
future".
The young women on the programme choose topics that will help
them achieve their goals and aspirations such as dealing with
money, exam stress, work / life balance. Speakers are chosen
for the broad contributions they make to the discussion.
ALUMNI
The YWCA offers Future Leader graduates and their
programme mentors a place to catch up with each other and a way to
stay connected with the YWCA. Future Leaders started in 2002 and
the programme is four years long.
For more information please call Kathryn Doughty on 370
0116 or 027 290 5034 or email kathrynd@akywca.org.nz