NEW MENTORSHIP PROGRAMME FOR LAW STUDENTS

The Law Students’ Council (LSC) has introduced a new mentorship programme to help first year law students adapt to the complexities of university life.

Leading law firm Deneys Reitz is sponsoring the Law Council Mentorship Programme run by third and fourth year law students.

Since its inception last semester, the programme - through its 25 mentors - has assisted 50 first year law students.

This initiative supports students by first resolving any social challenges they face before assisting with academic difficulties that may arise. Mentors spend about three hours a week with students who seek help.

Acting President of the LSC and one of the co-ordinators of the mentorship scheme, Mr Khulekani Dumisa, said the programme identified a need for a separate student-centred programme focusing on law students.

“We wanted to introduce a less formal project which focused on the social issues affecting the lives of new students. Once they adapt on a social level they are likely to improve academically.”

First year law students who turn to mentors for assistance may at times be advised to seek professional counselling depending on the seriousness of the problems they encounter. Common problems new students faced include those relating to peer pressure, poor academic performance and adapting to a new academic environment.