Mentor a Child

Role of mentor in ‘Sponsor a Child’ program

One of the unique features of ‘sponsor a child’ program of YFS is that every child enrolled in this program gets a mentor. A mentor is like a big sister or big brother for the child. Mentor is the link between the child, YFS office, child’s family, child’s school and the donor.

Here is a unique opportunity to make a difference in the life of a child by giving only 6 hrs/month of your time. You have the flexibility to work at your convenient time. Ideal for college students also who may not be able to commit time every week.

Required time commitment: 6 hrs per month (mostly at your convenience).

Languages: Must speak one of these languages: Kannada, Telugu or Tamil. If not, you have to take a Kannada speaking friend with you every time you visit the family.

Duration: Minimum One year.

Role of a mentor

You will be informed about the child to mentor in May-June.

Visit the family. If needed, one of YFS coordinators or a volunteer from partner NGO will come with you. Fill out a form that captures their family living condition and also about the child. This form will be provided to you.

In June, when the school starts, visit the school and talk to the class teacher/principal. Let them know that the child is enrolled in this program. Get teacher’s feedback about the child.

After that, visit the family and school once a month at your convenience. More than any information gathering, it’s important to develop the bond with the child and the family.

Inform YFS office of any achievements of the child in the school.

Inform YFS of the academic progress preferably after every test.

Minimum requirement is to take a xerox copy of the progress card after each semester and mail it to YFS office.

Once or twice a semester, facilitate the meeting of the sponsor and the child, preferably in the school.

Do not give money directly to the child or the family, however small the amount may be. Play the role of a mentor ONLY.

For some unforeseen reason, if you have to discontinue as a mentor, please inform YFS office a month earlier so that we can assign a new mentor.

Please click here to enroll yourself as a mentor.