What's the problem?
After leaving the system, children from Ukrainian orphanages are often left to face life's challenges on their own. Around 90% aren't prepared for independent living and usually lack basic skills: cooking, using public transport, and handling administrative services. Even going to a grocery store can feel like stepping into the unknown — they don't know how to pick out items, pay for them, or manage a budget. Things most of us take for granted can feel foreign to kids raised in institutions.
What's the solution?
To avoid social isolation and learn how to make decisions and live independently, these children need mentors — adults who can guide them beyond the walls of the orphanage, offer emotional support, and become trusted advisors and friends.
In late 2024, the Your Support Ukraine Charity Foundation, in partnership with the Kyiv Region Center for Social Services and project ambassador Inna Myroshnychenko, launched a pilot mentorship program for children in care.
Rubryka reported on the project at its start. The response to our story made one thing clear: although mentorship has been officially recognized in Ukraine since 2016, very few people actually know about it.
We sat down with Valeriia Tatarchuk, founder of the Your Support Ukraine Charity Foundation, to learn what mentorship means and how to become a mentor.
How does it work?
Being a lifeline for those who need it most
The Your Support Ukraine Charity Foundation has worked with children's homes and orphanages for over a decade, helping kids who've lost parental care. In that time, they've run countless projects—from setting up rehabilitation rooms to funding surgeries and treatments for children.
The idea for a mentorship initiative was sparked by the story of Ihor Fostenko, a former orphanage resident who is now a successful entrepreneur. He experienced firsthand how life-changing mentorship can be. According to Ihor, it was thanks to his mentor that he, his sister, and their friends had a real shot at a normal life.
"For years, working with children's homes, I saw how deeply kids suffer from the lack of individual attention, how much they long to have a meaningful adult in their lives. And what's truly heartbreaking is seeing them leave these institutions completely unprepared for life on their own," says Valeriia Tatarchuk, founder of the charity foundation. "When I heard the stories of people who managed to break out of this cycle thanks to mentors, I knew this was the direction that could actually change the lives of thousands. It's not just about feeding or clothing them for today, but about giving them hope for a better future."
More than a year ago, Valeriia became an adoptive mother. Through that experience, she's come to understand on a very personal level just how much children need adults — their love, support, and belief in their potential.
A friend you can trust
Information session for future mentors. Photo courtesy of the Your Support Ukraine Charity Foundation
A mentor can't replace parents, but they fill a crucial gap, providing the one-on-one attention and support that institutional systems can't offer. Think of a mentor as an older friend who shares life experience, helps navigate challenging situations, and shows the child that the world is much bigger than the orphanage walls.
Unlike guardianship or adoption, mentorship doesn't come with legal responsibility or require living with the child (though the mentor is responsible when taking the child out of the institution for any activity).
"It's important to understand that mentors can choose whether to work with one child or more, but we recommend starting with just one, especially if this is your first experience. That way, you can give the child your full attention and support," says Valeriia.
The Your Support project team matches mentors and children through a thoughtful process. Potential mentors undergo training and psychological testing and indicate what age group they'd prefer to work with, as well as their talents or interests. Children also share what kind of mentor they'd like. Then, they meet, and a one-year mentorship agreement is signed if both sides agree.
The program focuses specifically on teenagers. They have the lowest chances of being adopted, but the highest need for life-prep before they leave the system. Plus, teens are old enough to build meaningful relationships, set goals, and work on personal growth.
What does a mentor do?
Future mentors. Photo from the project archive
In practice, mentorship means regular visits to the child, typically once a week, at their institution. This might include spending time on site, going for walks, or exploring the world together — visiting museums, going to the movies, or even just shopping together so the child can learn how to do everyday chores. Online communication is possible, too, but it's only a supplement. Real-life contact is key because kids need practical skills and real-world experience.
"In truth, mentorship is much more than just showing up. Preparing a child for adulthood means helping them develop the skills they'll need once they leave the orphanage. Many of these kids don't even know how basic society works — how to plan a day, get a job, or pay a utility bill," Valeriia explains. "Mentors help build those skills step by step. They show the child that there are different paths in life, and that they have what it takes to choose one. It's also about building healthy self-esteem, belief in yourself and your abilities."
A mentor's responsibilities include:
- Building a trusting, personal connection with the child
- Helping with school: explaining tricky subjects and keeping them motivated
- Developing social skills: how to talk to people and handle conflict
- Teaching life skills: how to budget, cook, and use public transport
- Career guidance: exploring professions, helping them think about future work
- Broadening horizons: visiting cultural events, sports clubs, and hobby groups
- Offering emotional support through difficult times
What mentors don't do:
- Handle legal matters regarding the child's status
- Make decisions on behalf of the institution or guardianship services
- Cover all the child's material needs
- Treat psychological trauma (that's the job of professionals)
- Promise adoption or custody.
Founder Valeriia Tatarchuk says that many teens long for a mentor. They crave a meaningful adult figure genuinely interested in their lives, thoughts, and dreams. Sure, some children are wary at first. Their experiences have taught them to be cautious. But once they see that the mentor shows up regularly, asks how they're doing, and doesn't expect anything in return, they begin to open up and embrace the support.
Just as important is that mentorship gives kids a sense of choice. In institutional care, children rarely get to make their own decisions. However, with a mentor, they can choose whether to participate, what they want to do together, and what they want to talk about. It's a first step toward independence and responsibility for their lives.
Path to mentorship
Valeriia Tatarchuk with project ambassador Inna Myroshnychenko. Photo from the project archive
The Your Support mentorship project began as a pilot in the Kyiv region, but the overwhelming response inspired the team to expand it into the city of Kyiv as well. More than 500 applications came in from potential mentors, far exceeding expectations. The people who joined the project came from all walks of life and professions: some grew up in difficult circumstances themselves and now want to help others; some are driven by values rooted in supporting children; for others, this is a chance to share the wisdom and experience they've gained over a lifetime. But they all have one thing in common — a desire to help children.
Life experience alone isn't enough, though. Before mentors can begin building relationships with children, every candidate must complete a mandatory training course. This training is provided in cooperation with the Kyiv Regional Center for Social Services and the Kyiv City Center for Social Services — organizations officially authorized to certify mentors per government standards.
Future mentors. Photo from the project archive
During the training, prospective mentors learn about the unique developmental challenges of children raised in the system, their psychological wounds, and common behavioral patterns. They are taught how to recognize manipulation, set healthy boundaries, and understand what kind of support a child might need. A key component of the program is working with psychologists who help mentors explore their own motivations, expectations, and emotional readiness. The training also includes legal guidance on a mentor's responsibilities.
What makes Your Support special is that even after training is complete and mentors begin working with children, they continue receiving supervision and professional support from specialists at the Your Support Family Center for Mental Well-being in Vorzel, a town northwest of Kyiv.
How to become a mentor?
Teenagers in institutional care often lack a stable adult they can talk to, rely on, and turn to for advice. Illustrative photo
The path to becoming a mentor is pretty straightforward, though it does require time and commitment. Below are the key steps every aspiring mentor needs to take:
- Apply to join the mentorship program. The project is not accepting new applications at the moment because the team is reviewing those already received. However, anyone interested can reach out directly to their local Center for Social Services for Families, Children, and Youth, or to the general Center for Social Services.
- Gather the required documents: an application form, a copy of a passport, a health certificate, and a certificate of criminal record (or lack thereof).
- Complete mentor training.
- Undergo psychological testing and an interview.
- Receive official confirmation of eligibility to become a mentor.
- Get introduced to a child.
- Sign a mentorship agreement.
- Begin meeting with the child regularly.
- Attend supervision sessions and receive ongoing professional support.
"We're planning to expand the project into other regions," says Valeriia Tatarchuk. "So if you're interested in becoming a mentor but don't live in Kyiv or the surrounding area, follow our Telegram channel to stay updated on the latest news."
Who can become a mentor:
- Adults who are citizens of Ukraine (although the program might be open to citizens of other countries)
- People with permanent residence
- Individuals with no criminal record
- Psychologically stable people without addictions
- Those who have time for weekly meetings with a child (around 3–4 hours per week)
Above all, the project team encourages every applicant to reflect on a few key questions:
- What is my motivation? Your desire to become a mentor should be mature and thoughtful, not impulsive, driven by guilt, pity, or a savior complex.
- Am I ready for a long-term relationship? Mentorship is a commitment of at least one year. Can you keep a consistent schedule of meetings? Do you have the time and energy to see it through?
- Do I have support from loved ones? Mentorship affects your life and your family's. Your loved ones must understand and support your decision.
- Am I prepared for challenges? Children in institutional care often have traumatic pasts, difficulty trusting, and may express aggression or manipulation. Can you handle this calmly and constructively?
- Am I open to learning? Mentorship is a journey of growth. You must listen to professionals, accept mistakes, and constantly seek new approaches.
- Are my expectations realistic? Don't expect immediate gratitude or rapid transformation. Progress may be slow, subtle, or invisible, but it can mean the world to a child's future.
- Can I manage the emotional weight? These children's stories can be harrowing. Can you face that without taking it on yourself or burning out?
Does it really work?
Mentor Sofia. Photo from the project archive
The first group of mentors is just finishing their training and getting ready to meet their mentees. However, one participant, Sofia, already has hands-on experience. She's been mentoring a 13-year-old girl for the past ten months.
Sofia says she first heard about mentorship in 2020 while researching ways to support children in institutions. At the time, she wasn't ready to adopt. In 2021, she completed the mentorship training and was certified, but the full-scale invasion delayed being matched with a child, as many were evacuated abroad.
In 2024, Sofia was paired with a 12-year-old girl living in institutional care. At first, it was hard to build trust. The girl was withdrawn, rarely shared her thoughts, hesitated to express herself, and was afraid of doing something wrong. Over the past ten months, something changed. The girl has learned to calmly express her needs and desires, become more confident, and no longer fears being herself in conversation. She's even learned to say "no" when she doesn't want to do something.
Of course, not everyone makes it to this stage. Some candidates drop out at different points in the process. Some idealize the role, but once faced with reality, realize how tough it really is. Others discover they don't have the time, emotional bandwidth, or stamina for a long-term commitment. Sometimes people start meeting children and expect immediate results, but when nothing changes, they burn out and feel disappointed. Others are afraid of making a mistake, hurting the child, or being unable to handle complex situations.
"That's completely okay. In fact, we see it as a good thing — better that someone recognizes they're not ready during training than break off a relationship after a child has already formed an emotional bond," the project's founder explains. "We don't see these people as failures. It shows their maturity and honesty."
Even more helpful solutions!
Want to help?
"We believe with all our hearts that every child deserves a better future. Mentorship is a real chance for thousands of children living in Ukrainian institutions. This isn't just a project — it's a mission that could change the future of an entire generation. Our goal is not just to launch Your Support in Kyiv and the surrounding area, but to scale it across Ukraine, so every child in institutional care can meet a mentor," says the foundation's team.
Your Support is a charity initiative that relies on financial donations. Your donation could help a child find a mentor. You can donate here.
