One-on-One Mentoring: Providing Individual Support and Empowerment to Elementary School Students

Sometimes it doesn't take much to change a child's life.
Sometimes all it takes is a person who listens, encourages and says: "You can do it!"

At KinderHelden, adults become exactly that person.
Mentors for primary school children with difficult starting conditions.

As part of 1:1 mentoring, volunteers accompany a primary school child for at least one year. An adult and a child form a fixed tandem and meet once a week for around two hours - flexibly at a public location or digitally.

The time spent together is varied and geared towards the interests of the tandem: they read, learn and laugh, do something outside or work creatively. It's not just about academic support, but above all about relationships, trust and self-confidence.

Why is this so important? Primary school sets the course for life. With reliable support, children can discover their own strengths, develop courage and gain new perspectives.
With 2 hours a week, you can make a big difference - and become an important caregiver for a child.

We are certain that you are exactly the big friend a child is looking for. And maybe this volunteer work will become something very special for you too?

As a KinderHeld*in, you’ll mentor an elementary school child as part of a fixed 1-on-1 partnership. You’ll meet once a week for about two hours and tailor your time together to your specific needs.

During your meetings, you’ll read, learn, and laugh together. You’ll support the child with schoolwork, practice reading or math, do small activities, or get creative—whatever you both feel like doing as a team. The focus isn’t on performance, but on the relationship: listening, encouraging, and being there reliably. You’ll meet either at the child’s school or at another public place. 
 
You don’t need any prior teaching experience. What’s important is that you enjoy working with children, are reliable, and are open-minded. KinderHelden will carefully prepare you for your volunteer role, ensure a good match, and support you professionally and personally throughout the entire mentoring partnership. 

You can make the difference between giving up and thriving. Join us and become a KinderHeld*in. 

You don't need to have any previous teaching experience, as you will be prepared for your new role in a preparatory workshop. We will also provide you with individually tailored learning materials and further tips for activities. Throughout the year, you will receive pedagogical support from full-time employees who will be available to you as contact persons during your involvement.

Ideally, you should have around 2 hours once a week in the afternoon to meet with a child and support and strengthen them individually. The times can be arranged flexibly with the child.

Before the start of the commitment, we will get to know you in a personal meeting (lasting approx. 45 minutes) via video call. This is followed by the introductory workshop for our volunteers, which lasts around 3 hours. This takes place as a webinar.

An extended police clearance certificate without entry must be presented before the first personal meeting with the child. This is available free of charge with our application for volunteers.