Applications set to open for second round of IRTS Mentoring Programme

15/06/2021

By Laura-Maria Tiidla, ISCA


The Integration of Refugees Through Sport (IRTS) Mentoring Programme is connecting people who have specific skills and knowledge (mentors) with individuals (mentees) who need/want the same skills to increase their capacities to work in the field of integration of refugees through sport. On 20 June 2021 we are launching Round Two of the Programme and invite all motivated individuals to apply.

During the 12-month mentoring programme (total duration October 2021 - October 2022), the mentorship pairs will be engaged through an online platform throughout the period and two offline events to meet face-to-face (travel and accommodation costs covered). The mentoring pairs will have access to IRTS Online Courses, online focus groups and helpful resources throughout the programme – both relating to the IRTS field and tips/advice related to mentoring. 

The mentoring programme aims to:

  • Build the capacity for the organisations and individuals involved through accelerated exchange of knowledge.
  • Allow direct collaboration between various integration of refugees through sport related projects and initiatives.
  • Grow the international network and community.

Timeline
For the second round of the Mentoring (October 2021 - October 2022) 12 mentees will be matched with pre-selected mentors of experts in the IRTS field. The applications will be opened on 20 June 2021 and the deadline for applications will be on 15 August 2021. 

Why become a mentee? 
The experience will provide you with: 

  • A unique opportunity to expand your international network while working together with other mentors and mentees
  • An opportunity to engage in mutual learning journey to develop your skills and grow as a professional
  • A chance to be inspired and motivated and guidance on carrying out personal and professional actions plans
  • Access to two international conferences related to the IRTS topic and dedicated mentoring meetings prior to the events
  • Visibility on the project website and media exposure through our communication channels throughout the project
  • Access to IRTS Online Learning courses
  • To gain experience from recognised mentors to further benefit your personal and professional development in the IRTS field.

Who is eligible to become a mentee?
We are searching for motivated and dedicated individuals who have some experience in the IRTS topic, either as staff or volunteers, and would like to learn and further build their capacity through online and offline opportunities. Please note that to be eligible for the programme, mentees must be residing in one of the Erasmus+ Programme or partner countries . Participants must have access to a computer and internet. 

The mentees must be able to travel internationally  and have sufficient language levels to work in English. Travel and accommodation costs to attend the two offline events will be covered from the project and there are no other fees to take part in the Programme. 

For the application, candidates must provide a CV and a support letter from an organisation that is active in the IRTS field describing why the candidate should be selected.

What to expect and commit to?
As part of the Mentoring Programme, we expect the mentees to commit 5-10 hours each month to the project throughout the 12-month period. 

This commitment to the Programme encompasses the following:

  • Monthly individual meetings with their mentor (including preparation) and occasional online focus groups meetings on specific topics
  • Developing their personal and professional action plans for the duration of the Programme using the Theory of Change Methodology
  • Completion of the IRTS Online Learning courses
  • Online kick-off in October 2021
  • Two offline events (November 2021 in Brussels and October 2022 (Location TBD))
  • Filling in the monitoring and evaluation surveys.

How to apply? 
Make sure you are eligible to apply, fulfil the conditions and can commit to this Programme (in case of being selected, we will sign a commitment agreement). The application will be open from 20 June to 15 August on the project website.

Make sure to read the IRTS Mentoring Programme Application Guide before applying.

Apply here from 20 June

Get inspired by the stories of our 2020-2021 mentors-mentees from Austria/Denmark and the Netherlands/Greece.