Opri sa o mňa (Lean on me)

This program is based on the friendship between an adult volunteer and a child. A trained volunteer is matched with a child who needs a support and spends time individually with him/her. They meet for 2-3 hours per week for the time period of minimum 10 months. These meetings are carried out outside the family and their content depends on the agreement between the volunteer and the child.

The LEAN ON ME Program is focused on children aged from 6 to 16 – if needed – also outside this age limit. It is devoted to children whose lives are tougher than those of their peers. The program creates a space for the development of social and communication skills of children with specific needs; it strengthens their self-esteem, independence, responsibility, and positive patterns of behaviour. It also teaches them how to spend their leisure time effectively and it motivates these children to connect naturally with their peers. The role of the volunteer in the life of the child is supportive one; it must not substitute the parental role. Parents or guardians must agree with the participation of their child in the program.

Volunteers in this program are young people aged 18 to 30. The program is – in case of interest – also open to older volunteers. All the volunteers are carefully selected – the selection is made on personal interviews and also a special psychological diagnostics. Before they start to meet the child, all the volunteers are trained and during their volunteer service they are provided with support, guidance, and supervision.