NYMSM (New York – Malawi Student Mentoring) is a cross-cultural mentorship community connecting professionals and university students with secondary school and university student mentees in Malawi. We blend academic support with cultural exchange, leadership growth, and fun community engagement.

We welcome two groups: university students and recent graduates (NYMSM Juniors) who want to gain mentoring and leadership experience, and professionals in any career field who want to give back as mentors. There are nomembership fees! Mentors may buy books or help with fundraising, but the real investment is your time, creativity, and commitment to both mentoring and community engagement.

University students (Juniors in the U.S.): Go to the Juniors page, drop your name and email, and we’ll reach out for a quick interview.

Professionals: Head to the Application section on the homepage and share your contact details.

Mentors meet with their Malawian mentees about three times per month The commitment depends on the mentee’s stage:

1 year for senior (finishing) mentees

2 years for university-level mentees (“juniors” in Malawi)

4 years for younger mentees starting in their first or second year of university

This ensures consistency and long-term growth.

In addition to mentoring, Juniors run fundraisers, host cultural workshops, and plan retreats and community events. They also organize international engagement — including a future trip to Malawi (ALL NYMSM mentors are welcome) — creating a vibrant, hands-on community.

Mentors aren’t expected to be professional tutors — no experience is needed. You’ll be coached and provided with resources, materials to guide you. As a mentor, you’ll be a role model, confidant, and source of encouragement. You’ll support your mentee academically and emotionally, join collective program projects, and benefit from intentional mentor–mentee matching. It’s also a powerful networking opportunity for mentors themselves.