DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2015.v03i04.031

Pages: 1756-1759

Adolescent period is hazardous due to absence of proper guidance and counseling. Mentoring relationships may contribute to the health and well-being of adolescents and young youths. Opinions of teachers regarding mentoring may be useful for taking Adolescent Friendly Health Initiatives (AFHI).To explore views of teachers regarding mentoring as AFHI and to suggest the improvements in existing systems, qualitative survey was conducted among selected teachers of four schools of Chandigarh and two in Himachal Pradesh. Teachers were interviewed regarding knowledge and opinions regarding mentoring, mentees and mentor’s role, existing patterns of adolescent friendly facility and adolescent friendly initiatives in their schools etc. Among all surveyed 27 teachers, 12 (48.4%) were aware of mentorship and 18 (66.7%) gave some opinion benefits of mentoring. There were 12 (48.1%) teachers who were of the opinion that it can counsel children related to any issue while 10 (37.0%) were of the opinion that it was beneficial for overall development of an individual. Friendly nature (81.5%), followed by good listener (74.1%) and motivation (63.0%) were main desired qualities of mentors according to surveyed teachers. Various topics were suggested to be included in mentorship programs, mainly moral values (37.0%) and sexual education (33.3%). About 41% teachers were not sure of selection criterion for mentees. Adolescent Health Programs should be extended beyond health institutions. Proper training of teachers on adolescent issues and adolescent friendly services provision is desired. Teachers and health professionals should be facilitated to provide proper reproductive health and sex education to adolescents. There is possibility of incorporating “mentoring” at schools as teachers have the potential to serve as effective mentors.