The project “Validation of mentoring” funded by “Leonardo da Vinci” Programme of the European commission is already in its final stage. During almost 24 months an European team of experts in the field of informal training worked for the development of effective schemes and procedures for recognition of knowledge and practical skills, obtained through participation in mentoring programmes. These types of programmes have proven themselves to be extremely efficient for the career start of young people with disabilities and disadvantaged people.
What is Mentoring?
A one-to-one, non-judgmental relationship, in which an individual mentor voluntarily gives his/her time to support and encourage another, the mentee. (ACU, home office 2001)
Within the “Validation of mentoring” project a six-month mentoring programmes were held in Bulgaria, Slovenia and Romania. After their end, both mentees and mentors shared their satisfaction and estimated them as a helpful and self-confidence rising practical instrument.
The good results of the programme logically led to the question for establishment of achievements recognition tools. The process is known also as “validation”
During the “Validation of mentoring” Project the team of representatives of training organisations and NGOs promoted a handbook “Code of Practice for Mentoring”.
Do you want to know how to run a high quality mentoring programme? If so read the Code of Practice for Mentoring.
It provides a flexible, user-friendly, framework for Quality Assurance in the development and operation of mentoring programmes. It guides its users through a self-assessment process that helps them deal with the key questions that must be answered if a mentoring programme is to successfully achieve its goals. It also provides a rich source of overall advice, drawing on extensive experience of successful mentoring programmes, as well as comprehensive information about relevant European policies. A unique feature is the procedure it suggests for the recognition of the learning achievements of mentees.
The Code is published in all the four languages of the project partners, English, Bulgarian, Slovenian and Romanian. It is available through the project website as well as in hard copies.
If you would like to find out more about the results and products of VM project, visit: www.mentoring-
