Hello everybody,

We think that it might be beneficial, at least for our area (NorthEast Ohio), to establish a training school for mentors. The problem that we are coming across over and over again is that the majority of mentoship programs’ sponsors do not consider program coordinators’ and mentors’ training as being an essential part of the program. In some cases they do not see them as a part of the program at all. 

 Our idea is to set up a school on the basis of the university, which would perform a variety of training services: needs assessment and screening for mentors, orientations for mentors and coordinators, on-going weekly/monthly seminars, customized program design, materials design, activities design, parents’ involvement planning, program communication planning, physical space design for mentors' room, etc.

Further on, trained mentors would be placed to school chosen by the program sponsors as a ground for the mentorship program. Mentors and tutors from any local programs will be  able to attend the school. We feel that the involvement of the university would add professionalism and creativity to the approach to mentorship and thus, enhance the children’s and mentors’ positive experience.

 Do you think there is a need for this type of school?

I would greatly appreciate any feedback,

Thanks