Abstract

Since 2001, the Big Brothers Big Sisters program of Turkey has been matching Kurdish children with Turkish adult mentors. These mentors are assisting children in the development of their cognitive, emotional and interpersonal skills. The purpose of this research was to explore the effects of interethnic mentoring on minority youth. This research used a case study approach to explore the interethnic mentoring relationship of seven matches in Istanbul. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews with mentors, mentees, parents and program directors. Information was also collected through the survey instrument, Youth Survey: Measurement of Quality of Mentor-Youth Relationships. The research concluded that there are certain factors that contribute to quality interethnic mentoring relationships. The most important finding however was that interethnic mentoring has an effect on the already existing attitudes minority youth develop about their own culture.

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