Navigating the transition from school to further studies or employment can be a daunting experience for young people. Without proper guidance, many struggle with understanding workplace expectations, crafting a strong CV, or even knowing where to start their job search. This is where volunteer mentors step in—offering crucial support, advice, and insights that are often inaccessible through traditional education or online searches.
Young people benefit immensely from having a mentor who has recently faced the same challenges. Our volunteers—typically university students or recent graduates—bring firsthand experience of the hurdles that come with entering adulthood. They provide practical guidance on essential skills like CV-writing, job applications, interview techniques, and workplace etiquette. More importantly, they share those invaluable, unwritten rules of professional life—the kind of insights that aren’t widely available but can make a significant difference in securing opportunities.
A key advantage of mentorship is that it bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application. For example, a young person may have an impressive academic record but struggle to articulate their strengths in an interview. A mentor can help them build confidence, refine their responses, and understand employer expectations. Similarly, mentors provide guidance on networking, career planning, and even managing the emotional aspects of stepping into adulthood, such as dealing with rejection or workplace dynamics.
Beyond professional growth, this program fosters a sense of community and encouragement. Young people are not alone in this journey—they have someone who genuinely cares about their success. By connecting them with mentors who have recently walked the same path, we empower them with knowledge, boost their confidence, and equip them with the skills they need to thrive in the world of work and beyond.
Mentorship Scheme
Addressing Barriers to Education
The barriers to accessing education for refugee children and young people are significant and multifaceted, including language challenges, lack of familiarity with the British education system, and complex social, economic, and legal limitations. At Edu-Change, we are dedicated to ensuring that every child and young person from refugee, immigrant or marginalised background can access the educational opportunities they need, from school through to college, university and beyond.
Employment and Impact
Many young refugees lack the contacts, opportunities and resources they need to secure employment and transition successfully from schools, colleges and universities into the sustainable workplace. We have the experience and expertise to guide them through the process of acquiring meaningful employment and developing fulfilling careers and life experiences. Edu-Change wants to tap into young people’s potential to become change-makers in their communities. We do this by investing in young people's leadership and community building capacity, connecting them with opportunities to grow, lead and serve their communities in Kent and beyond.