Modulo1_KHEIRON_EN

Possiblecomplementary in-person activities Although the core of the programme is digital, we recognise the added value that some face-to-face meetings can bring. Therefore, we will explore the possibility of organising occasional in-person activities, as circumstances allow. These could include, for example, a day of socialising where all the mentors and mentees in the programme meet in person, possibly at a halfway point (or alternating between city and town), to take part in group dynamics, training workshops or simply to get to know each other in person. Another option is to facilitate individual visits: the mentor visits the mentee's community (or vice versa) for a day of immersion in their reality, thus reinforcing the bond created online. Imagine organising a joint outing for all the tandems (mentoring pairs) or a regional meeting of mentors and mentees to exchange experiences. These face-to-face activities would help to build trust and complement virtual interactions with direct human contact. However, we must be realistic: geographical dispersion and scheduling constraints can make these meetings difficult. Participation in face-to-face activities will be voluntary and flexible, and the programme does not depend on them to achieve its objectives (i.e. the mentoring relationship will not be compromised if it only takes place online). If they can take place, they will be planned in advance, seeking logistical support (transport, accommodation if necessary) and complying with current safety measures. In the meantime, digital platforms will largely replace the social interaction provided by face- to-face meetings, ensuring that mentors and mentees feel close despite the distance. ExpectedBenefits and Impact The implementation of intergenerational mentoring programs in rural-urban contexts, supported by technology, holds the promise of numerous benefits: Empowerment of rural youth: By connecting with an urban mentor, rural mentees expand their social capital and gain access to information, advice, and networks that can be crucial for their future. This can lead to increased motivation to continue their studies, explore professional careers (even in STEM fields or university tracks that are less common in rural areas), and generally raise their aspirations. One study found that online mentoring can guide rural youth in shaping their career interests and provide valuable insights into professions they might not otherwise encounter. Ultimately, the mentee gains confidence, improves essential skills (communication, decision-making, problem- solving), and feels less isolated, a common challenge in remote settings. Personal enrichment for mentors: For urban mentors, participating in this initiative is often a transformative experience. Supporting a young person from a different environment helps them develop intercultural communication skills and learn how to mentor remotely. Many mentors report deep personal fulfillment from seeing their mentee grow, which reinforces their own sense of purpose and achievement. They also gain firsthand knowledge of rural realities, from structural difficulties (lack of services, depopulation) to valuable cultural traits (community spirit, connection to nature), broadening their worldview. This relationship often fosters greater social empathy and breaks down stereotypes they may have held about life outside the city. As noted by the Alex Kim Foundation, intergenerational mentoring strengthens the social fabric and leads to more united, inclusive communities, in this case, forging bonds between the mentor’s urban environment and the mentee’s rural one. Introduction to Intergenerational Social Mentoring 17