Will You Be Ready for It: Anas Al-Kahlani on Mentoring Without Being Asked to

Anas Amin Al-Kahlani is based in Yemen. He is a civil engineering graduate and a WASH specialist.

Anas takes part in the Women in WASH & RWSN mentorship programme as a mentor.

Learning There Was No One to Turn To

Anas traces his motivation to mentor back to a moment early in his career, when his department head asked him to design a solar-powered pumping system for a specific borehole. Solar pumping technology was still relatively new in his country at the time, with very few professionals experienced in the design work. He didn’t have the technical knowledge required, but felt unable to simply tell his manager he didn’t know how to proceed.

“I took the initiative to seek support from external sources and experienced professionals, but unfortunately, I was unable to find anyone who could provide the guidance I needed. I even offered to pay someone from my own salary to teach me, but despite my efforts, I could not find the appropriate support.”

That experience shaped how he approaches mentorship today. “Today, I try to support anyone facing a similar challenge by sharing my knowledge and experience free of charge, provided that they are genuinely committed to learning and developing themselves.” He frames the stakes plainly. “No professional should have to struggle alone simply because they cannot find someone willing to share their experience.”

From Three Rejections to a Managerial Role

Anas describes mentoring a colleague who joined one of his organisations at an entry-level assistant position and applied three times for an officer role without success. After the setbacks, the colleague became discouraged, and his productivity and work quality declined. Anas helped him identify the skills he needed to strengthen and pointed him toward relevant training, while reframing the rejections.

“I encouraged him not to see the unsuccessful applications as failures, but as opportunities to prepare himself for the right opportunity. I remember telling him, ‘The opportunity will definitely come, but the question is: will you be ready for it?’”

About two years later, the colleague applied for a managerial position, not an officer role, and was selected. Anas reflects on what that outcome taught him. “This experience had a strong impact on me because it reminded me that mentorship is not about simply helping someone get their next position. It is about helping people build their confidence, develop their capabilities, and prepare themselves for opportunities they may not even expect.”

How Mentoring Has Shaped Him

Anas describes mentoring as a source of ongoing reflection. “Supporting my mentees often reminds me of situations and challenges I have faced throughout my own career. This reflection helps me revisit those experiences, identify different ways of approaching problems, and apply lessons learned to new situations.”

He adds that it has sharpened specific skills. “Mentoring has also strengthened my communication, active listening, coaching, and problem-solving skills.”

His Advice to First-Time Mentors

Anas encourages people not to wait until they feel like experts. “You do not need to have all the answers or be an expert in every area. What matters most is being willing to listen, share your experiences honestly, and support your mentee in finding their own solutions.” His advice for the relationship itself is simple. “Be patient, approachable, and genuine. Sometimes a simple conversation, a shared experience, or the right question at the right time can have a lasting impact on someone’s career.”

Why He Believes Mentorship Matters

Anas frames mentorship as a two-way process that benefits both sides. “By supporting others, I reflect on my own experiences, learn from different perspectives, and continue developing my communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.”

He closes with a broader point about its cumulative effect. “I believe that sometimes one conversation, one piece of advice, or simply having someone who listens can make a meaningful difference in a person’s professional journey.”