2020 – the year when we needed mentorship the most

On Thursday, February 25th, we met with mentors and mentees of the 5th cycle of the program “Creative Mentorship” to wrap up this edition. 

Before the pandemic, Wrap up was an opportunity to gather the participants of the recently finished cycle and members of our alumni network, to meet and connect in a less formal ambiance. Even though we could not meet live, due to the measures for preventing the COVID-19, we met online in a good mood. 

Switching between panel discussion and breakout rooms with different topics, we looked back at everything that the previous year imposed onto us, why did mentorship and mentoring have an important role in it and how did they make it easier the daily adjusting to the “new normal”. 

Some participants underlined how the relationship with their mentor/mentee, their support, understanding, and exchange helped them find motivation and strength to overcome challenging moments. The success of mentoring cooperation within the 5th cycle is proven by various projects realized by mentees, regardless of all challenges and major changes in the program dynamics. The online edition of the festival Bass Passion, first after 6 years long pause, organizations that obtained funds for new projects and campaigns that motivated communities to donate and provide a renovation of the Alternative cultural center in their small town, are just some examples worth mentioning. 

We would also like to mention the important fact that the program was well-adjusted to the online format and that the needs of the participants and their goals were the focus of all the workshops.  

We hope that we will meet live again, soon, and have an opportunity to wrap up this edition in that manner as well. Mentors and mentees participating in the 5th cycle now become part of our alumni network and when the circumstances allow it, they will get their certificates of appreciation and broaches to mark this experience.