Stand By Me
STAND BY ME
A comprehensive "buddy" program that helps children and young people from Ukraine or otherwise disadvantaged children to adapt to Czech schools. The project has an international scope and is implemented in the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Romania.
The Stand By Me / Stand By You project was officially launched on 27 September 2022 in collaboration with UNICEF and other organizations such as People in Need, META, CSIV, Cyril Mooney Value Education, under the auspices of the Ministry of Education. This structured buddy programme is underpinned by the DofE's sophisticated methodology and values and, like the standard DofE programme, cannot do without a trained adult mentor to guide the children and young people. From our experience around the world, we know that DofE activates children and young people through meaningful activities, giving them a sense of belonging, physical and mental well-being, strengthening their determination and independence.
The project aims to help create an equal and friendly environment in schools where young people feel safe, get to know each other and work together under the guidance of a mentor on small movement, skills and volunteering tasks.
BENEFITS OF THE BUDDY PROGRAMME
Facilitating the adaptation of children and young people from Ukraine or otherwise disadvantaged children to the school environment and the collective
Sophisticated methodology and ready-made tools for mentors
Development of trained mentors in working with pupils and students from disadvantaged backgrounds, the possibility of supervision from People in Need therapists
The programme is prevention of bullying, outsiderism, absenteeism, conflicts in the team, psychological problems, poor grades and prejudice
HOW DOES THE PROGRAMME WORK?
Schools apply to the programme and selected mentors complete online training (see below)
Mentors identify interested Czech and Ukrainian pupils/students for the buddy programme and start their cooperation
Buddy pairs meet at least eight times and work on a joint mini-project according to the prepared methodology
Mentors receive regular online support from the DofE, can participate in workshops and benefit from consultation or intervention by People in Need staff
After 3 months, the buddy programme officially ends with the award of a certificate and buddy pairs are free to continue in the standard DofE programme. (In the buddy programme, they will have already completed the volunteering area, which can count towards the DofE Bronze).
GET INVOLVED!
Feel free to contact us for further information or to have your questions answered.
Tereza Vlčková Naděžda Vránová
Methodologist Project Coordinator
tereza.vlckova@dofe.cz nadezda.vranova@dofe.cz
+420 771 262 477 +420 720 548 828
