THE ICEHEARTS EUROPE MENTOR

The Icehearts mentor is a qualified and ad-hoc trained person who promotes the long-term development of children and youth from a disadvantaged background, needing special support, through cooperation with the family, the school, the third sector, the community services and the Government.

A mentor is both a role model and a reliable adult whom the child can turn to for help, to discuss issues and look for solutions. Mentors can assist children as well as their parents or guardians to resolve the child’s difficulties and problems. Some children have diverse needs to support, for example due to the financial situation of their families, neurological or psychological problems, or difficulties at school.

Mentors are facilitators in various activities, including team sports. Trips and camps should be also one of the key elements of activities.

Interventions are implemented in school, sport and community associations.

Role played by the mentor

Requirements

The minimum requirement for the position of mentor is a university or professional qualification in social work, health care or sport and physical education. Other suitable basic qualifications include leisure instructor, playgroup leader and community educator, with a focus on child protection.

Icehearts mentors should attend training and sharing sessions organised by the operating organisation, such as the grassroots sport organisations.

Mentors should provide feedback on each participant’s journey so that the operating organisation may have full grasp of updates on mentoring relationship.

Builder of trust

Icehearts Europe mentors help participants to develop school skills, self-esteem and resources for future education (e.g. right attitudes, personal resilience and capacities, social networks).

The goal of the mentorship program is therefore to accompany children in their development and help them to become responsible adults.

Mentors will also engage the children’s families/guardians, teachers and trainers in the process, providing support and encouragement, and playing an active role in bringing out children’s needs and striving for their interests.

Adapted from and for further information, please refer to:

• Eby LT, Allen TD, Evans SC, Ng T, DuBois DL. Does mentoring matter? A multidisciplinary meta-analysis comparing mentored and non-mentored individuals. J Vocat Behav. (2008) 72:254–67. doi: 10.1016/j.jvb.2007.04.005

• Erickson LD, McDonald S, Elder Jr GH. Informal mentors and education: complementary or compensatory resources? Sociol Educ. (2009) 82:344–67. doi: 10.1177/003804070908200403