Mentorship is a voluntary and unpaid activity in which a mentor provides individual support and assistance to a child living in an institutional care facility, primarily to help prepare them for independent living.
The project focuses on children residing in institutional care facilities.
Project goal:
To prepare the child for independent living, develop vital life skills and self-confidence, and help them understand their individuality.
Before the adoption of the legislation on “Mentorship” (Regulations on Mentorship approved by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine No. 465 dated July 4, 2017) and its implementation at the state level in 2017, our team had been actively running similar projects since 2009, such as “Sponsorship” and “My Friend.”
The “Sponsorship” project initially involved only written communication between the child and their adult friend, during which they got to know each other better and formed a certain friendly relationship. However, over time, these relationships became so close that written communication was no longer sufficient, and people began to visit the children regularly. Thus, the “My Friend” project emerged. This project was based on the desire and ability of the older friend to build strong relationships that included regular visits to the child as well as meetings outside the institutional care facility.
“Mentorship” is already professional volunteering.
Mentor’s goal is to help the child feel needed, accepted, and important in this world. The mentor supports the development of the child’s potential, helps them identify their life goals, and become independent. Within the framework of the project, the NGO “Team detdom.info,” which has certified trainers, participates in training mentor candidates and subsequently provides guidance and support to mentors throughout their relationship with the child.
Therefore, if you truly want to make a meaningful difference in children’s lives, help a specific child — become their mentor.