Are you a social, outgoing person, maybe looking for new challenges and friendships? Have you participated in volunteering or mobility experiences? In VCS, we host several international volunteers from Europe, who are part of the European Solidarity Corps programme. Usually, they come to Macedonia for the first time and as the cultural change might be a bit confusing – we are providing them with a mentor to support their journey.
Who is Mentor?
”Like a first friend” – mentor provides the volunteer on-going personal support during their volunteering in Macedonia, when it comes to social, emotional and cultural differences. The role of the mentor is to:
- Give the volunteer the opportunity to integrate in the local community, to meet other young people and to socialize
- Support the volunteer to carry out a self-reflection on the learning outcomes of the volunteering project
- Provide support on a personal level for all duration of the volunteering
- Encourage contact with other volunteers and locals whenever possible
- Facilitate in a conflict situation, the communication between the volunteer and the local environment or the volunteers work place
Becoming a mentor requires commitment, motivation, and energy. Everybody can become a mentor, but it is important to be aware of the following aspects:
Knowledge
– Good knowledge of the hosting organization environment and of the local community where the volunteer is hosted
– Already have volunteering and mobility experience
Attitude
– Empathy, patience, and a willingness to listen
– Open mind and ready to deal with diversity
– Reliable and flexible to adjust according to the volunteer’s need
– Motivated and interested in support learning of a young person
All mentors will be invited to join the training sessions organized by VCS, which are planned for December 17th, 19th, and 23rd in the afternoon.
Apply until 12.12.2024!