Training for ESC mentors - Neighbouring Partner Countries Cooperation

This training course is meant for people involved in an organisation holding a valid Quality Label for volunteering in solidarity activities in European Solidarity Corps (ESC) and firstly for:

• mentors with little experience
• future mentors without any previous experience in mentoring in ESC
• experienced mentors in ESC wishing to question your position

This training course is accessible for all programme and partner countries’ mentors, however partner countries’ applications will have the priority. The focus will be on the Neighbouring Partner Countries cooperation so, applications from programme countries will also be selected if mentors come from organisations willing to establish or reinforce cooperation with partner countries.

The training course will consist of 4 working days: arrival on the 11th of November, 12th, 13th, 14th & 15th will be working days and the departure day is set on the 16th of November after breakfast.

There will be an online on boarding session on the 2nd of October 2024 from 4 PM CEST till 6 PM CEST.

Attendance to the whole event, on-boarding session included, is expected.

The objectives of the training course are the following:

• Highlight the dimensions of solidarity and impact on society specific to the ESC programme;
• Identify expectations of ESC Mentors: question the position and share good practices of mentorship;
• Integrate the intercultural dimension, anticipate and manage the cultural shock caused by international mobility;
• Work on conflict / crisis management connected to hosting and supporting volunteers in the framework of cooperation with Neighbouring Partner Countries;
• Support the valorization & recognition of learning & volunteers’ projects.

This training course will focus on the support to volunteers, the administrative aspects connect to the project management will not be dealt with.

In order to benefit as much as possible from this training course, we ask you not to plan meetings or work during the week. After the selection of participants, the program and timetable will be sent to you, allowing you to best organise your time.

You are a mentor if:

• You are the preferred contact/referent for volunteers hosted in your organisation;
• You are involved in monitoring and supporting volunteers on different levels (intercultural preparation, daily life, administrative support, (re)integration, personal project, etc.);
• You are in charge of valorisation & evaluation of learning outcomes of volunteers. 

If you fit this profile, this training course is meant for you if you are a member of an organisation holding a valid Quality Label for volunteering activities in the framework of the ESC programme and:

• You have no or little experience as mentor in ESC or
• You are an experienced mentor in ESC wishing to question your position.