HEY! Online Mentoring Programme

“A mentor is someone who sees more talent and ability within you, than you see in yourself, and helps bring it out of you.” — Bob Proctor

MENTORING IN YOUTH WORK

WHAT IS MENTORING IN YOUTH WORK?

Mentoring in youth work refers to a supportive and developmental relationship between a Mentor (usually an experienced individual) and a Mentee (a young person Returnee/NEETs). The mentor acts as a guide, role model, and supporter, aiming to empower and enhance the personal, social, and educational development of the mentee, to maximise their potential and develop knowledge their skills and competences. Mentoring has a holistic focus on professional development.

WHAT IS A MENTORING RELATIONSHIP?

The mentoring relationship generally involves regular meetings, often one-on-one (physical or online), where the mentor provides guidance, advice, and a listening ear for the mentee. Mentors help young people set and work towards goals, develop life skills, build self-confidence, and make positive choices. Additionally, they may provide career guidance, academic support, and connections to resources and opportunities.

HOW IS MENTORING COMMONTLY USED IN YOUTH WORK?

Mentoring in youth work is commonly used to address a variety of issues faced by young people, such as academic struggles, peer pressure, low self-esteem, bullying, family problems, and career indecision. The goal is to empower young people to overcome challenges, maximize their potential, and become successful, responsible, and independent individuals.

MENTORING IN THE H.E.Y! PROJECT

In the framework of the H.E.Y! Mentoring Programme each partner organization will proceed with a) launching Calls for Mentors and Mentees, b) creation of 10 Mentoring couples, c) monitoring the one-month Mentoring Relationship (process), d) development of National Mentoring Reports.

H.E.Y! MENTORING RELATIONSHIP (PROCESS)

The H.E.Y! Mentoring relationship (process) will be established between a Mentor and a Mentee, with the signature of the Mentoring Agreement and launch of the one-month Mentoring Relationship (process). The Mentoring couples will be created based on the Mentee’s needs and the Mentor’s professional profile.

The Mentoring Relationship (process) will have duration 1 month minimum and will include at least 4 online mentoring meetings. The purpose and content of the mentoring meetings will be jointly decided between the Mentor and the Mentee.

The Mentor will be monitoring the Mentee’s progress, based on the goals set at the beginning of the mentoring process. Both Mentors and Mentees will be asked to evaluate the Mentoring process at the end.

MEET THE HE.Y! MENTORS!

APPLY FOR H.E.Y! MENTOR

APPLY FOR H.E.Y! MENTEE

H.E.Y! MENTOR

Profile of H.E.Y! Mentors

Older than 30 yrs old (no age limit)
Be professionals in civil society (youth workers/leaders/managers, CEOs), or the business sector or the government with experience or knowledge.
With high knowledge, experience, know-how, and expertise or personal/professional interest or involvement in one or all the thematic priorities: Social Inclusion, Socialization, Employment, Personal Development.
With interest and willingness in providing practical advice and sharing experience with a Mentee.
With available time for at least 4 online weekly mentoring sessions during the 1-month mentoring relationship (process).

Responsibilities of H.E.Y! Mentors

Attend two 3-hour online Training Workshop entitled “Training Workshop for H.E.Y! Mentors” organized on 6th and 7th February 2024 at 15.00 CET time.
Participation at the actual Mentoring Relationship (process), with duration 1 month, during which the Mentors must organize at least 4 online (or physical if preferred) meetings with the Mentee.
Demonstrate real interest and willingness in providing practical advice and sharing experience with a Mentee.
Provide advice and guidance to Mentee, as required, to set specific achievable goals and develop specific action plans to achieve goals.
Be inclusive having in mind the diversity in genders, sexualities, experiences and needs, variety of socioeconomical backgrounds, cultures, skills, abilities, knowledge and other.
Reflect on progress, based on the Mentoring Progress Report provided by the organizers.
Provide feedback to the organizers on the effectiveness of Mentoring Programme

Benefits for H.E.Y! Mentors

Personal Fulfilment: Personal satisfaction as Mentors guide and support young Returnees/NEETs, in their personal or/and professional development. Observing their gradual growth and success can be extremely rewarding.
Making a difference in a person’s life: Mentoring allows Mentors to positively impact the lives of young Returnees/NEETs and other young people with fewer opportunities. By providing guidance, advice, support can help them overcome challenges, obstacles, and empower them, to build confidence and achieve goals.
Building Meaningful Relationships: Becoming a mentor help themselves develop meaningful and long-lasting relationships with young people. Mentors have the opportunity to become a trusted adult figure in young peoples’ lives and be someone they can turn to for guidance and support.
Skill and Competence Development: Mentoring requires strong communication, listening, and problem-solving skills. Mentors can enhance these skills and competences, as well as developing patience, empathy, and understanding. These skills can be valuable not only in youth work but also in other aspects in life.
Networking Opportunities: Mentoring provides an opportunity to connect with other professionals and organizations working towards similar goals. This can expand professional network, open doors to new opportunities, and increase your knowledge of youth development programs and resources.
Learning and Growth: Mentoring is a two-way process. While mentors provide guidance and support they also have the chance to learn from them. Their insights and perspectives can broaden Mentor’s understanding of the world and help them develop a more inclusive and empathetic mindset.
Creating Positive Change: Mentoring is a proactive way to contribute to making the society better. By investing time and energy into mentoring, Mentors contribute to shaping the next generation, creating positive and responsible citizens who can make a difference in their communities.
Personal and Professional Development: Mentoring provides opportunities for personal and professional growth. It can improve leadership skills, boost self-confidence, and enhance ability to motivate and inspire others.
Increased Cultural Competence: Mentoring young people from diverse backgrounds allow Mentors to gain a greater appreciation for different cultures, beliefs, and perspectives. This exposure increases cultural competence, making them more inclusive and respectful towards people from various backgrounds.
Long-lasting Impact: The impact of mentoring can extend far beyond the immediate relationship. By guiding and supporting young people through their formative years, you help shape their future and contribute to their long-term success.

In addition, all H.E.Y! Mentors will benefit from the following:

Certificates of Participation as Mentors will be provided.
Mentors' photos and short resumes will be published on the H.E.Y! website and the H.E.Y! E-Learning and Training Platform.
H.E.Y! Mentors will be presented via the project’s social media accounts and during the H.E.Y! Dissemination Conferences organized by partner organizations in all partner countries.
H.E.Y! Mentors will have the opportunity to become a member of H.E.Y! Network, which is composed by organizations, youth workers and individuals, with interest in youth empowerment and social inclusion.

APPLY FOR H.E.Y! MENTOR

H.E.Y! MENTEE

Profile of H.E.Y! Mentees

Young Returnees/NEETs, 21-30 years old
With interest to participate at the HEY! Online Mentoring Programme be empowered personally, socially, educationally and maximise potential, by developing also knowledge, skills and competences.
With personal or/and professional needs fall under any or all the thematic priorities: Social Inclusion, Socialization, Employment, Personal Development.

Responsibilities of H.E.Y! Mentees

Attend one 3-hour online Training Workshop entitled “Training Workshop for H.E.Y! Mentees” organized in organized on 8th February 2024 at 15.00 CET time.
Be present and be prepared at the meetings organized with the Mentor throughout the one-month Mentoring Relationship (process).
Demonstrate real interest and willingness to receive practical advice and experience from the Mentor.
Identify and express personal or/and professional goals and needs.
Respect the Mentor’s experience.
Be inclusive having in mind the diversity in genders, sexualities, experiences and needs, variety of socioeconomical backgrounds, cultures, skills, abilities, knowledge and other.
Recognise Mentoring as a professional development opportunity.
Keep personal tracking records and communicate progress towards the identified goal(s).
Communicate any worries or challenges faced or feel, as well as ideas, comments or positive thoughts before, during and after the one-month Mentoring Relationship (process).
Be open to receive feedback by the Mentor.
Provide feedback to the organizers on the effectiveness of Mentoring Programme

Benefits for H.E.Y! Mentees

Receive free online support by an experienced person, with knowledge and know-how, on an issue or need of concern, or challenge or problem faced, on a personal or/and professional level.
Personal Growth: Mentoring provides opportunities for personal development and growth. As a mentee, people get access to guidance, support, and direction from an experienced adult who can help the Mentee navigate challenges, set goals, and work towards personal and academic development.
Empowerment: Receive guidance in understanding strengths, identify areas for growth and improvement on the specific issue. Be motivated to take ownership of their growth.
Enhancement of knowledge and skills: Opportunity to enhance knowledge, skills and competences or/and become aware of practical tools and methods on solving issues and problems or designing, implementing and performing tasks and activities.
Increased Self-Confidence: Having a mentor who believes in the Mentee and supports their aspirations can boost self-confidence. Mentors can encourage Mentees to explore potential, take risks, and overcome self-doubt, helping them build a stronger sense of self and belief in their abilities.
Expanded Network: Mentoring relationships often open doors to new networks and connections.
Emotional Support: Mentors can be a source of emotional support and understanding. This support can contribute to the Mentee’s overall well-being and resilience.
Positive Role Model: Mentoring provides the opportunity to have a positive role model.
Long-lasting Impact: A mentoring relationship can have a long-lasting impact in a Mentee’s life. The guidance, support, and skills acquired can stay, creating a foundation for personal and professional success.

In addition, all H.E.Y! Mentees will

Receive Certificates of Participation.
Mentees can also attend workshops, conferences, or events, organized by partner organizations, which will further enhance their knowledge and skills.
If they wish, they will become a member of H.E.Y! Network, which is composed by organizations, youth workers and individuals, with interest in youth empowerment for social inclusion.