December 9, 2022
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At the Mentorship Association, even in these difficult times, we try to organize various offline events for our youth, mentors, volunteers, and friends, where everyone can spend meaningful and fun time together. But the greatest value of these gatherings is that they allow children and mentors to get to know each other better, and it is in this relaxed atmosphere that mentor-child pairs naturally form.
That is exactly how, in September of this year, at the picnic, which we organized as part of the Corporate Mentorship program, Dima and Oleksandra met.
Dima is 15 years old and is currently staying at a rehabilitation center for children. When asked, «What kind of mentor would you like?», Dima replied that the most important thing for him is for the mentor to be kind.
And so, a significant adult appeared in Dima’s life — a mentor he can trust, who will help him with socialization and preparation for independent living. And will do so wisely, with genuine care for the boy.
«Sasha and I were cleaning up the table together after the event and started talking. Sasha is kind, and she gives me attention and supports me» – Dima, 15 years old.
Right now, Dima is finishing 9th grade and facing the choice of a future profession. This choice is never easy, and it is very important to have an experienced adult mentor nearby whom he can turn to for advice. Together with his mentor Oleksandra, they visited an auto repair shop to see from the inside what the mechanics do and to try on this profession for himself, weighing all its advantages and disadvantages. Dima shared his impressions from the trip.
«I’m in 9th grade and still don’t know where to apply or what to do. Sasha is helping me make a choice. We spend time together, talk, and cook together. And recently we went to an auto repair shop together. I saw in practice how the mechanics work and even tried tightening different parts on a car myself. I even asked questions and clarified things that were interesting or unclear to me. I liked the work of the mechanics at the auto repair shop. It was very interesting to see how cars are assembled and parts are replaced" – Dima.
«Dima is opening up, feeling more comfortable, asking questions, and sharing. He has also started keeping his promises. Our foundation of trust is growing and our relationship has become stronger. I want to support Dima and become a true friend for him, someone with whom he can be himself and feel comfortable. Right now, Dima and I are building a trusting relationship and choosing a future profession together» – Sasha, mentor.
We are happy that thanks to our Corporate Mentorship program, children and youth from vulnerable groups are finding support and help in discovering their talents. Every such story is a building block that lays the foundation for the well-being of our younger generation.
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