On May 11, we held our final mentors reflection meeting within the European Solidarity Corps programme.

The meeting was focused on reflecting on the mentoring year, sharing experiences, discussing challenges, and creating space for honest conversations between mentors.

We started with a short warm-up and then shared insights from the NEST Training Course on Risk Management and Conflict Management, which Hubert and I attended in Crotone, Italy. One of the key topics discussed with mentors was the “Circle of Security” approach and the importance of emotional safety and trust in mentoring relationships.

During the reflection session, mentors discussed their experiences in pairs and shared different mentoring situations they encountered throughout the year.

One of the strongest themes that emerged was how differently mentor-volunteer relationships can develop.
Some mentors described natural and easy connections built through shared interests, humour, or communication style. Others reflected on difficulties with communication, especially when volunteers became distant or stopped responding.

We also discussed cultural adaptation, language barriers, and how strongly language can influence a volunteer’s sense of belonging and openness. Mentors who could communicate in the volunteer’s native language often noticed deeper trust and easier communication.

Another recurring topic was the importance of flexibility in mentoring.
Different volunteers required different approaches, levels of support, communication styles, and emotional space.

The meeting ended with appreciation cards and final reflections on what mentors are taking with them from this year’s experience.

After four years of supporting mentor groups, one thing continues to be clear to me: there is no single formula for being a “good mentor.”
Every mentoring relationship develops differently, and much of the process depends on communication, adaptability, emotional safety, and human connection.

Article by Krystsina Muroh –

ESC assistant project coordinator

from 14/05/2026