Reclaiming the Village – Reviving Mentorship and Timeless Values for a Better Future
- Brainz Magazine
- Oct 9
- 5 min read
Written by Dr. Kaylarge Eloi, Educator & Author
Dr. Kaylarge Eloi is an accomplished educator and expert in the fields of leadership, healthcare administration, and forensic psychology. With a rich academic background that includes an Ed.D. with a focus on Organizational Psychology and a Ph.D. in Human Services, Dr. Eloi possesses a unique blend of theoretical knowledge and practical expertise.
In today’s hyper-connected yet increasingly isolated world, the phrase “It takes a village to raise a child” rings more like a nostalgic proverb than a practical truth. Yet, as society grapples with fractured communities, generational divides, and a loss of moral grounding, there is a rising call to “reclaim the village,” not as a geographical location, but as a way of life centered on shared responsibility, mentorship, and the enduring values that once held communities together.
The disappearing village
The “village” was once a real and symbolic place where people lived in proximity, knew each other well, and took active roles in each other's lives. Children grew up surrounded by a network of parents, grandparents, neighbors, teachers, and elders, all unofficial mentors who provided guidance, correction, and encouragement. Discipline and wisdom did not come from screens or algorithms, but from lived experience and moral authority passed down through generations.
Today, we live in an era of digital saturation, fragmented families, and siloed lives. Young people often turn to social media for advice and validation. Parents feel overwhelmed, and elders once revered are frequently sidelined. The village has not disappeared in structure alone, it has dissolved in spirit. Yet, in the face of rising mental health challenges, youth violence, and societal disconnection, many are recognizing the profound need to rebuild this communal structure, not by recreating the past exactly, but by restoring its essence. At the heart of that restoration is mentorship.
Mentorship: The backbone of the village
Mentorship is more than guidance, it is relationship. It is the act of one person walking alongside another, offering wisdom, accountability, and support. In traditional societies, this role was not institutionalized but embedded in daily life. A child learned resilience from a farmer’s hands, integrity from a grandmother’s stories, craftsmanship from an uncle, and empathy from a midwife’s gentle care. Reclaiming the village means reviving these natural mentor-mentee relationships, both formally and informally.
It requires adults of all ages and backgrounds to step into the role of mentors not only in schools and workplaces, but on playgrounds, in churches, community centers, and homes. When young people have trusted adults who invest time in them, research shows they are more likely to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. But mentorship is not just for the benefit of the mentee, it also restores a sense of purpose to the mentor. It bridges generational gaps, fosters mutual respect, and creates a feedback loop of learning and growth.
Rebuilding the village also calls us to dust off and reapply the timeless values that once defined communal life. These values are not outdated, they are foundational.
Responsibility: In the traditional village, everyone had a role, from the oldest elder to the youngest child. Today’s culture of hyper-individualism often neglects collective responsibility. Reclaiming the village requires nurturing a mindset where individuals see the well-being of others as intertwined with their own.
Respect for elders: In many cultures, elders were the custodians of wisdom. Their stories, experiences, and blessings were considered vital. Reintegrating elders into community life, not as passive retirees but as active mentors, can restore a lost wellspring of knowledge and grounding.
Accountability: The village kept people in check not through surveillance, but through care. There was an understanding that actions had consequences, not just for individuals but for the whole community. When people are accountable to one another, trust grows and societal bonds are strengthened.
Empathy and Compassion: In small communities, people could not afford to ignore each other’s pain. Empathy was not optional, it was natural. We need to rebuild spaces where people feel seen, heard, and cared for, especially the vulnerable.
Stewardship of time and talent: In the past, elders taught younger generations how to build, fix, grow, and sustain. This was not just skill-building, it was value transmission. Today, reclaiming practical mentorship, teaching crafts, trades, or even financial literacy, can ground people in tangible, meaningful contributions.
Modern challenges and how to adapt
Of course, we cannot simply turn back the clock. Our societies are more complex and mobile. People move often, families are spread across countries, and online interaction often replaces face-to-face contact. But rather than abandon the village ideal, we must innovate to embody it in new forms.
Digital mentorship: While technology is often blamed for disconnection, it can also be a powerful tool for mentorship if used intentionally. Intergenerational video chats, online skill-sharing platforms, or community forums can become modern “village squares.”
Community hubs: Libraries, schools, places of worship, and even local coffee shops can serve as the new gathering places. Hosting mentorship circles, storytelling nights, and service projects can turn these spaces into living villages.
Family as a micro-village: Families can revive the village model internally. Parents can empower grandparents, aunts, uncles, and close family friends to share in raising and guiding children, creating a layered support system.
Cross-generational partnerships: Schools and community centers can create programs that pair retirees with students, professionals with youth, and skilled tradespeople with apprentices. Such partnerships create a culture where wisdom is honored and passed on.
The role of education and faith communities
Educational institutions and faith communities are particularly well-positioned to be catalysts in reclaiming the village.
Schools can go beyond curriculum by fostering mentoring relationships between teachers and students, older and younger peers, and community volunteers. Schools rooted in character education can embed values like service, humility, and integrity into daily life.
Churches, mosques, temples, and other spiritual communities historically played central roles in moral formation and community support. These institutions can reignite their mission by creating mentorship programs, intergenerational gatherings, and service initiatives that involve the whole community.
A call to action
Ultimately, reclaiming the village is not about nostalgia, it is about necessity. As society faces increasing fragmentation, the call to rebuild strong, values-based, relational communities has never been more urgent.
This movement does not begin with policy changes or massive programs. It begins with individuals deciding to show up. It begins when a retired teacher tutors neighborhood kids, when a young professional mentors a teen in foster care, when a parent invites a lonely neighbor to dinner, when elders are asked to speak and are not just remembered.
You don’t have to rebuild the entire village. You only have to start where you are. Extend a hand. Share a story. Offer guidance. Create a space where someone feels safe, valued, and believed in. Because in the end, the village is not a place, it is a promise that no one must journey alone, that wisdom has a home, and that love, respect, and purpose are passed on, not just remembered.
Read more from Dr. Kaylarge Eloi
Dr. Kaylarge Eloi, Educator & Author
Dr. Eloi is not only an educator but also a prolific researcher and author. Her publications delve into critical topics surrounding cultural competence within healthcare and criminal justice settings. She has contributed to the understanding of how Pacific Islanders perceive the cultural competence of Western healthcare providers, as well as exploring the views of released offenders regarding hiring managers' cultural sensitivity. Her seminal work, "Creating an Organizational Culture that Supports Offender Rehabilitation Towards Maintaining Gainful Employment for Returning Citizens," highlights her commitment to fostering inclusive environments that promote rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
