The Mentorship Association for Children and Youth held a training course

The Mentoring Association for Children and Youth conducted a training course for trainers under the Mentor Training Program for children living in orphanages, institutions for children deprived of parental care, and other child care institutions, focusing on children’s social adaptation and preparation for independent living.

Certified trainers Tetiana Koval and Olena Shulha conducted the training in the Zakarpattia region at a family and children’s center for 16 future trainers from cities such as Sumy, Lviv, Stryi, Kamianets-Podilskyi, Kremenchuk, Kovel, and Zakarpattia. Five intensive days flew by quickly and engagingly, as many of the training participants are already helping children from institutional care facilities, have extensive experience interacting with them, and are now committed to professionally supporting them and training future mentors.

During the training, attention was also given to such important topics as: the specifics of socialization for children living in institutions; displacement and loss in children’s lives; the specifics of the development of children who need mentoring; and how to build long-term trusting relationships between a mentor and a child. The importance of teamwork among all participants in the implementation of mentoring in Ukraine and their responsibility within the framework of legislation was also emphasized.

The Mentoring Association is very pleased that the team of resourceful and motivated people who have a tremendous desire, and now also the necessary knowledge, to jointly implement and promote mentoring in Ukraine continues to grow!

"What was important to me was that the trainers were not just theorists, but also ambassadors in relationships with children experiencing difficult life circumstances. It was nice to see that this is not just a job, but a “passion” and a meaningful part of life. The material was presented very «wholeheartedly,» and it was clear that the trainers felt responsible for providing the highest quality training, where ultimately the children will receive qualified mentors" — Tetiana, training participant.