What is mentorship?
Mentorship is when a child has a reliable adult in their life – not a hero or a rescuer, but someone consistent and present. A mentor is a person who communicates regularly with the child, offers support, shares life experience, and helps them prepare for independent living. A mentor does not live with the child but remains present during important moments of their growing up. The main goal of mentorship is to help a child build self-confidence, adapt to life outside of care, and develop a trusting relationship with a supportive adult.
The legal perspective
In accordance with Ukrainian legislation (Draft Law No. 13200), mentorship is defined as a voluntary, non-remunerated, and consistent activity. It is aimed at providing personal, social, educational, or professional support to an individual, tailored to their specific needs and interests.
Who is the mentorship for?
Live in institutional care facilities
Lack a stable, significant adult figure in their lives
Require individual support to prepare for an independent future
Key benefits of mentorship
Unlocking potential: Fostering a child’s individual growth and talents.
Building confidence: Helping children develop self-assurance and belief in their abilities.
Social & communication skills: Enhancing the ability to interact effectively and build healthy relationships.
Future guidance: Shaping life goals and professional aspirations.
Successful transition: Ensuring better adaptation to independent living after leaving institutional care.
How mentorship works
Format: one mentor – one child
Mentorship is a voluntary and unpaid activity
Recommended frequency: once a week
Duration of meetings: 2–3 hours
Before starting, mentor candidates go through a selection process, including interviews and training. Mentor–child pairs are then carefully matched.
Throughout the entire mentorship journey, mentors receive ongoing psychological and organizational support from the Foundation’s team.
Key areas of mentorship
Our project is dedicated to supporting children in institutional care who lack a stable adult figure in their lives
If you represent an institution and would like children in your care to be matched with mentors, please contact us
FAQ
Mentorship: Legal definition
In accordance with Ukrainian legislation (Draft Law No. 13200), mentorship is defined as a voluntary, non-remunerated, and consistent activity. It is aimed at providing personal, social, educational, or professional support to an individual, tailored to their specific needs and interests.
What is mentorship in simple terms?
Mentorship means a child gains a reliable adult who is consistently present in their life – someone to talk to, lean on, and turn to for guidance regarding education and future choices. This is not a one-time visit or formal assistance; it is a long-term commitment and a steady support system.
Who can become a mentor?
Any adult with full legal capacity who has successfully passed the selection process, interviews, and specialized training. A mentor must be prepared for a long-term responsible commitment and meaningful interaction with a child.
The journey to mentorship: step-by-step
Interview with Experts
The first step is getting to know our team. Candidates participate in individual interviews with Ridni Foundation representatives (a project manager and a psychologist) and the Center for Social Services. This helps us understand your motivation and answer any questions you may have.
Mandatory Training
After the interview, candidates attend a mandatory three-day offline training course in Lviv. The curriculum covers the core aspects of mentorship, after which trainers provide individual recommendations for each participant.
Official Certification
Based on the results of the interviews and training, an official conclusion is issued regarding the candidate’s eligibility. This information is submitted to the Regional Center for Social Services, which grants official authorization to serve as a mentor.
How long does the mentorship last?
Legally, mentorship continues until the child reaches the age of 18 or is transferred to another facility. However, mentors and children often maintain their friendship long after the official program ends.
Are mentors paid?
No. Mentorship is a voluntary and non-remunerated activity.
How often do meetings take place?
We recommend meeting once a week for approximately 2–3 hours.
Why is mentorship critical?
- Children in care often lack a person they can truly trust and turn to for support.
- Upon leaving an institution, young people frequently find themselves alone and unprepared for the complexities of adult life.
- There is often a lack of emotional support and a safe space to develop essential life skills.
What does mentorship change?
- The child receives consistent emotional support.
- They develop the readiness and skills needed for independent living.
- Their chances for successful integration into society significantly increase.
The role of Ridni Foundation
The Foundation oversees the entire process, including:
- Selection and preparation of mentors;
- Matching mentor-child pairs;
- Providing ongoing psychological and organizational support;
- Coordinating with Children’s Services and care facilities.
How your donations help
Charitable contributions sustain the Mentorship Project by funding:
- Recruitment and professional training for mentors;
- Continuous psychological counseling;
- Coordination with state services and institutions;
- Ensuring the safety and stability of mentor-child partnerships.
Not everyone can be a mentor. But everyone can support the Mentorship Project.
I am not ready to be a mentor. Can I still help?
Yes. You can support the project financially. Your contribution helps us scale and grow – allowing us to recruit more mentors, support more children, and expand the project’s reach to new locations.
