Mentorship

Every child needs a reliable adult who believes in them. Children dream of finding a true friend — someone ready to listen, understand, and provide support in difficult moments. This is not just about attention; it is primarily about the importance of sharing life experiences and being a source of support.

Mentorship is a child's path toward positive change, where an adult serves as a guide and a pillar of support.
Спільнота Рідні

Interaction

Individual mentorship

Form of interaction

0 - 18 years old

Age

Recommended once per week

Regularity of meetings

2–3 hours

Duration of meetings

Voluntary unpaid activity

Funding

Why is mentorship important?

Children who grow up without a family environment almost always face the absence of a significant adult in their lives, leading to social isolation and low levels of adaptation after leaving institutional care. They often lack the psychological support necessary to develop essential life skills.

Mentorship steps in to provide the child with stable emotional support and builds readiness for independent living. This significantly increases the chances of successful integration into society. A mentor is a guide who helps the child become a strong and self-sufficient individual.

Becoma a mentor

The path to mentorship:
a step-by-step guide

Interviews with experts

The first step is an introduction to the team. The candidate undergoes an individual interview with representatives of the Ridni Charity Foundation (a manager and a psychologist), as well as a representative from the Center for Social Services (CSS). This helps us better understand the potential mentor’s motivation and address any questions.

Candidate training

Following a successful interview, candidates participate in a mandatory training course. The training lasts for three full days and is conducted offline in Lviv. Personal attendance is critically important: during the course, we explore in detail the topics and challenges mentors will encounter. Based on interaction during the training, trainers form recommendations for each participant.

Obtaining official approval

The final stage is the summary of results. Based on the outcomes of the interviews and training, an official conclusion is prepared regarding the candidate’s eligibility for mentorship. All necessary data is submitted to the Regional Center for Social Services, which issues the official authorization to serve as a mentor.

Legally, mentorship continues until the child reaches the age of majority or moves to another institutional facility. In practice, you can remain friends and maintain a warm connection thereafter.

What mentorship provides

  • Emotional stability — through trusting, consistent relationships.
  • Soft preparation for independent life.
  • Development of practical skills and confidence.
  • A sense of support that does not disappear after age 18.
  • Increased chances for social integration and healthy socialization.

Mentorship focus areas

1. Socialization

  • Support in developing healthy self-esteem and self-confidence.
  • Spending quality leisure time together to provide the child with a positive relationship experience.
  • Developing communication skills and emotional self-control in a safe environment.
  • Teaching daily life skills necessary for independent living.
  • Building responsibility for one’s own decisions and gradually strengthening personal autonomy.

2. Career guidance

  • Helping build realistic future plans regarding education and career.
  • Introduction to various professions and potential career paths.
  • Utilizing the mentor’s personal contacts to explore different fields of activity.
  • Teaching job search basics: writing a CV, practicing interviews, and understanding labor rights.

3. Educational support

  • Assistance with homework in a comfortable format.
  • Reading and discussing additional literature to develop comprehension and critical thinking.
  • Checking notebooks and school progress, gently building responsibility for learning.
  • Engaging a tutor or providing personal help from the mentor in mastering difficult subjects.
  • Promoting self-learning skills, self-reflection, and self-control.

Share your experience and help a child take their first steps into independent life

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Новини «Рідних»

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