Helping children uncover their passion, purpose, and potential: Mentoring program opens door for adults to support children in residential care

Community advocates are encouraging Ukrainians to step forward as mentors for children living in state-run residential care facilities, highlighting the role trusted adults can play in helping young people gain confidence and build life skills. The appeal comes as Ukraine continues to develop its national mentoring program, which allows volunteers to support children who lack stable family environments.

Sofiia Yudina, a mentor herself and mentorship development manager at the DIiMO Office, said the program gives adults a structured path to guide and support children growing up in these institutions.

“If mentoring speaks to you, you can learn more at dity.gov.ua – the country’s central platform with all the details,” Yudina said. “After that, you should reach out to your local Social Services Center. They’ll hold an introductory meeting and an interview to understand what resources you can offer a child. Then you’ll be asked to prepare the required documents, complete a four-day training course, and only after that will you be able to meet the child.”

Yudina noted that mentors play a vital role in helping children in residential care adjust to society, explore potential career paths, and strengthen their academic skills.

Read more: https://mediacenter.org.ua/news