Mariupol hosts the first meetings of orphaned children with their mentors
This week Mariupol boarding school #2 hosted the meeting and acquaintance of the first three "mentor-child" pairs. The meetings were organized by Rinat Akhmetov Foundation as part of "Mentorship" project.
After training and careful selection of mentors the Foundation's experts conducted assessment of needs among orphans and children deprived of parental care.
"We selected a mentor individually for a child, kids' needs are the priority. As a result, we determined the first three pairs. Mentors will be working in all directions – helping with studies, socialization and career guidance", – Yevheniia Rzaieva, the Head of "Say No to Orphanhood" program, shares.
The meeting of children and mentors took place in the boarding school with participation of administration and a psychologist. Yuliia Tanacha (Illich-AGRO Donbas), Volodymyr Cherniavskyi (Azovstal Iron and Steel Works) and Kyrylo Nikitchyn (Metinvest Prom-Servis) met teenagers of 13, 13 and 14 years old.
"Children were anxious and looked forward to this meeting. They entered teachers' common room all excited, flushed, confused and timid. But the orphanage psychologist cheered them up. She suggested children to define who would be a mentor to whom. When children sat next to their future friends, the deputy principal of the orphanage said with admiration and astonishment: "It's amazing, they are so alike!", – Marharyta Liakh, Coordinator of "Mentorship" project in Mariupol, shares.
The first meeting of mentors and children was dedicated not only to acquaintance, but also determination of common interests. "An orphaned child not only has no family, but also no other significant people, who determine our choice of values. They make an example for us, they are our defenders, advisers and just friends. But orphaned children are deprived of it. Therefore, a mentor can play an invaluable role in a child's life! Mentor will teach to plan and achieve vitally important goals, believe in yourself and love life again", – Viktoriia Chahalian, Manager of "Mentorship" project, believes.
Rinat Akhmetov Foundation continues preparation of mentors as part of the project. Now there are three-day trainings being held in Sviatohirsk and Mariupol for other 20 potential mentors. As of today, 84 candidates have already been trained. 47 mentors are ready to acquaintance with orphaned children.
"Mentorship" project of Rinat Akhmetov Foundation was launched in 2016. The main goal is to help orphaned children to get prepared to an independent life that starts after they leave their orphanage. Development of a child's potential, determination of life goals, formation of human relations, cultural and moral values with the assistance of mentor – an adult with life experience who volunteered to teach a child.
