Modulo4_KHEIRON_EN

Once the relationship has begun, consistency is key: proposing a fixed schedule of meetings (e.g., every Tuesday) helps to incorporate mentoring into both parties' routines. If issues arise (holidays, exams) that force a pause, resume as soon as possible so as not to cool the connection. If motivation wanes, it is normal to have ups and downs; here, the mentor must be proactive in recalibrating activities, remembering the initial purpose and perhaps relying on coordinators to re-engage the mentee. Celebrating small achievements along the way also instils energy to continue. Responsibleclosureand transition topost- mentoring Maintaining the link does not always mean that the mentor-mentee pairing will formally continue beyond the stipulated period. There will be a formal closing point (when the deadline or main objectives are reached). It is important to handle this closure responsibly so that the relationship ends on good terms and with a sense of achievement. Some good practices: Plan the final stage: In advance (e.g., one month before the scheduled end date), discuss together how to wrap up: perhaps prepare a closing activity, review everything that has been achieved, or have everyone write a letter of thanks/reflection. Setting the stage for farewells avoids abrupt endings. Joint final evaluation: Conduct a final evaluation where the mentor and mentee review progress (using the tracking tools we discussed) and highlight the journey they have taken. This provides a sense of positive closure. For example: ‘When we started, you were at point X, now look at how far you've come...’ This is also a good time to gather testimonials: ask the mentee to express what having a mentor meant to them, and the mentor can share what they learned from the mentee. These conclusions serve the programme (qualitative impact) and emotionally help both parties to come to terms with the end of the programme. Explore appropriate avenues for future contact: Here you define what will happen after the formal closure. Some couples decide to remain in informal contact, albeit less frequently. Others may not maintain close contact, but may agree to keep the door open (e.g., ‘if you ever need advice, you can write to me’). And others may prefer to end the relationship completely so that the mentee can move forward on their own. There is no fixed rule; the important thing is to be clear and realistic. If you choose to stay in touch, clarify how (occasional messages? visiting each other on special occasions?). Many programmes allow post-mentoring contact but no longer under supervision; in such cases, it depends on the ethics and willingness of those involved. If the relationship was good, it is natural for there to be affection and for both parties to want to know about each other over time. The key is not to promise more than you can deliver – it is better to say ‘maybe we can have coffee from time to time’ than to promise weekly meetings and then fail to deliver. Encourage networks of former mentees: One sustainability strategy is to not leave mentees ‘adrift’ after they graduate from the programme. Some initiatives create alumni groups (mentees who have completed the mentoring programme) so that they continue to have a supportive environment among themselves and even with volunteer mentors in specific activities. As an outgoing mentor, you can encourage your mentee to join these networks or follow-up activities (e.g., workshops for former mentees, youth networking events, etc.). This way, even though they no longer have an individual mentor, there is still a support structure around the young person as they transition to the next stage. 16