Lecturers’ perceptions about mentoring and challenges they face when mentoring students at an institution of higher learning in Namibia

Abstract

This paper examined lecturers’ perceptions about mentoring, as well as the challenges they faced in their endeavours to mentor students at the University of Namibia (UNAM), Katima Mulilo Campus. It used a mixed methods approach, and took the form of a survey. The study was descriptive in nature. Data collection was done by using a questionnaire. The researcher distributed the questionnaire to 12 lecturers who participated in the study at the UNAM, Katima Mulilo Campus. Data were analysed quantitatively using descriptive statistics, with thematic analysis of qualitative data. The findings were that the frequency of mentoring meetings was too limited; that is, there wasn’t enough mentoring time accorded to the mentorship programme; mentees saw no need to be mentored, and thus did not turn up for mentorship meetings. In addition, some lecturers or mentors were overwhelmed with more mentees than others. The study recommended that mentorship meetings should be done regularly; mentors should educate and encourage their mentees to turn up for mentorship meetings as per the mentorship schedules; and there should be equitable distribution of mentees among mentors for the sustenance of the programme.