Join Our Community

Ìtójú Mentoring is a community that supports Black African international students in Canada through mentorship, community building, and resource sharing.

Whether you’re a student seeking guidance, looking to support your peers, or a professional wanting to give back, there’s a place for you here! Be part of a vibrant community that centers belonging, support, and growth. By joining Itoju Mentoring:

You contribute to a network of individuals committed to supporting Black African international students in Canada.
You become part of a community dedicated to making a difference in the lives of Black African international students in Canada.

We are proud to be an inclusive, welcoming, and identity-affirming space where students can show up fully as themselves. We do not tolerate any forms of discrimination, including but not limited to homophobia, transphobia, sexism, ableism, and anti-Blackness.
We honour the fullness of who our students are and are committed to cultivating safety, connection, and belonging throughout their mentorship journey.

For Mentees

Gain support from mentors who have walked a similar path and access holistic programming to help you thrive academically, personally, and professionally.

We know that international students need support that reflects the full scope of their experience. That’s why our mentoring approach is holistic, centering three core areas:

Academic Mentoring: Navigating a new academic system can be overwhelming. Our mentors provide guidance on course selection, study strategies, understanding academic expectations, and accessing campus resources. Whether it’s adjusting to a different grading system or learning how to advocate for yourself in the classroom, we’re here to help you feel confident and equipped in your academic journey.

Career Mentoring: Building a future in a new country comes with unique challenges and opportunities. Through career mentoring, mentees gain support in setting professional goals, building resumes and cover letters, preparing for interviews, and learning how to network in Canadian contexts. Many of our mentors have firsthand experience job hunting as international students and are eager to share what they’ve learned.

Cultural Transition: Adjusting to life in Canada involves more than school—it’s also about identity, belonging, and finding your people. Mentors offer insight into navigating social and cultural shifts, dealing with homesickness, and accessing community resources. We recognize that Black African international students often face unique challenges, and we create space to talk about race, migration, language, and home in ways that affirm your experience.

International students at any stage of their studies are eligible to become mentees, although we prioritize students at the beginning of their journey – those in first and second-year. All mentees have to be studying in Ontario.

Duration: 4 months each cohort

Cohorts: Fall (September) & Winter (January)

Commitment: Connect with your mentor twice a month (in-person or online) and attend 6 program events. This is about at least 4 hours a month and about 16 hours for the cohort.

Stipend for Student Mentors: International student mentors will receive a stipend.

We carefully match mentees and mentors based on education background, goals, location, and interests.

Become a Mentee

For Mentors

Share your experiences, skills, and insights to help students navigate their journeys. Connect with like-minded professionals and build lasting connections.

We know that international students need support that reflects the full scope of their experience. That’s why our mentoring approach is holistic, centering three core areas:

Academic Mentoring: Mentors will support their mentees in building confidence and equipping them with the tools they need to succeed academically—whether it’s adjusting to a different grading system or learning how to advocate for themselves in the classroom.

Career Mentoring: As a mentor, you will support mentees in setting professional goals, building resumes and cover letters, preparing for interviews, and learning how to network in Canadian contexts.

Cultural Transition: Mentors will offer insight into navigating social and cultural shifts, dealing with homesickness, and accessing community resources.

Black professionals and upper-year students who have been or are international students from African countries and have experience navigating the Canadian education system are eligible to become a mentor.

Duration: 4 months each cohort

Cohorts: Fall (September) & Winter (January)

Commitment: Connect with your mentee twice a month (in-person or online) and attend 6 program events. This is about at least 4 hours a month and about 16 hours for the cohort.

Stipend for Student Mentors: International student mentors will receive a stipend.

We know that building a meaningful mentoring relationship takes time and guidance. At Itoju Mentoring, we are committed to supporting both mentors and mentees throughout their journey.

Mentor training: We host a mentor training session at the beginning of each cohort to provide our mentors with the tools they need to mentor a student

Monthly Check-Ins: We conduct regular monthly check-ins with mentoring pairs to understand how things are going, celebrate successes, and address any challenges. This helps us provide tailored support and keep the mentorship experience positive and productive.

Mentoring Guide: We’ve developed a comprehensive mentoring guide to help pairs structure their relationship. It includes tips on setting up their mentoring dynamic, conversation starters, and discussion prompts to guide meaningful conversations.

Reflection Tools: Our prompts and reflection guides are designed to keep mentoring sessions focused and intentional, helping mentors and mentees make the most of their time together.

Shared Responsibility: While the mentee leads the journey, mentors are also encouraged to take initiative. We ensure mentors feel equipped and resourced to reach out and support their mentees actively.

Ongoing Assistance: The Itoju team is always available to support pairs with any challenges or questions they may encounter.

Becoming a mentor at Itoju Mentoring allows you to:

Support a student’s transition to life in Canada through meaningful mentorship.

Share your experiences and help mentees navigate challenges and successes.

Develop your mentorship, leadership, and communication skills.

Join a community of like-minded mentors and professionals.

Grow your network while making a lasting impact.

We carefully match mentees and mentors based on education background, goals, location, and interests. If we can’t match you immediately, you’ll remain in our Mentor Pool for up to 2 years, and we will match you once you have an appropriate mentee.

Become a Mentor