A central action of the Peer2Peer project to connect school communities and transfer the good practice of inclusive school paradigm was the creation of a network of allies through interventions both in the “foster” school” and the “recipient schools”. Allies in this effort are, of course, the teachers, Roma students and graduates of the “foster school”, as well as the teachers of the targeted schools who were trained in March and April 2021, in order to act as a critical mass and work together throughout the implementation of the project.
The intervention in the “foster school” aimed at empowering Roma students and/or graduates of the school, who were benefited by the application of includive educational methods, to act as “sources of inspiration”, Mentors P2P for Roma pupils of the “recipient schools” of the West Attica to prevent and combat school dropout.
In this context, 21 students and graduates of the “donor school” were selected based on specific criteria, such as Recognition of the value of education and perception of its interrelation to Roma social inclusion, the willingness and readiness to establish a relationship of mutual respect and trust with the mentee to achieve a clear goal, Liberation from stereotypes and prejudices, ability and willingness to mobilize, encourage and inspire other people, the increased communication skills, empathy, optimistic attitude, team work experience, and experience in managing difficulties and challenges in schooling and education matters.
Based on the above, a two-stages selection procedure was designed. Possible participants were, first, identified during the implementation of the research activities, and, particularly, while conducting 10 in-depth interviews and a focus group with Roma students of the “donor-school”. Then, during activities implemented before the trainings, which resulted in three preparatory meetigns with candidates.
Students and graduates of the “donor-school” where trained based on the principles and methodology of adult education, with emphasis on the application of the principles and methodology of “transformative learning”, on mentoring, whereas they developed communication, counsultation and crisis management skills.
The selected students and graduates of the “donor-school” were divided in two groups, and were training during March and April 2021.
The P2P Mentors training was divided into 2 functionally interrelated axes: Α. Knowledge-based learning and B. Development of skills with emphasis on counselling, communication and risk management
The knowledge-based axis provided training for P2P Mentors on identity and mentoring issues during 8 sessions (per group). Traineees were empowered and reflected on stereotypical / anachronistic attitudes and perceptions, while at the same time, they developed critical thinking and empathy.
The skills development axis included the implementation of 12 sessions (per group) organized in three thematic (4 sessions per thematic).
The purpose of the first thematic topic “Development of communication skills” was to create Mentors who listen carefully, speak plainly, manage time effectively, provoke critical thinking, encourage engagement in dialogue, deepen meanings, adapt to circumstances, motivate and mobilize creatively.
The second thematic topic “Development of counselling skills” aimed at developing guidance and encouragement skills, reflecting on the expectations and limits of the mentor role and enhancing self-awareness.
The last thematic topic “Development of crisis management skills” aimed at consolidating the sense of security for the effective fulfilment of the mentor’s mission.
P2P Mentors are expected to play significant role in the Peer2Peer Allies Network to transfer the “inclusive school culture” to the recipient schools of West Attica.