At the offices of DUO for a JOB, ten future mentors have just wrapped up four days of intensive training. Why is such preparation essential? And how does it translate into practice?
Building a bridge between two worlds
Many mentor candidates arrive with a wealth of professional experience, but also a certain amount of apprehension. "Am I really up to the task? How can I share my experience in a useful way?" These are doubts that Kundan, a trainer at Atlas, hears regularly.
"The art of mentoring consists of bringing two different frames of reference together."
says Kundan, trainer (Atlas).
The idea isn't just to accumulate theoretical knowledge, but to shift perspectives. The goal? To understand how to build a journey together where each person truly contributes something to the other.
What does the training cover?
Between bursts of laughter and a few strong coffees, the training lays the groundwork for a successful duo.
The training is a true toolkit. Future volunteer mentors are trained on four essential pillars.
1. đź“Ś The social context
‍Integration paths, family reunification... The mentor learns to decode the complex mechanisms of migration.
2. đź“Ś The cultural "mirror"
‍Becoming aware of our own—often invisible—codes to better understand those of others. How do you support someone whose journey differs from your own?
3. đź“Ś Keys to the job market
‍A closer look at high-demand jobs, the role of institutions (Actiris, Forem, VDAB, CPAS), and available resources.
4. đź“Ś Active listening
‍...or the art of not jumping to the first solution that comes to mind. What is really going on behind the words of the young person being supported?
And all these resources remain accessible via an online platform, a true survival kit, throughout the entire mentoring process.
➡️ More info on our mission here.
The 10 new mentors from Antwerp trained in March 2026The power of a duo
On the final day, theory gives way to real-life experience.
‍Ramson and Jan, a current duo, came to share their story. Ramson, a young marketer of Ugandan origin, recounts his uphill battle to find a job and the decisive role Jan played by his side.
For Max (71), a former shipbuilder, it was the turning point:
‍"Seeing that smile on their faces... It was the icing on the cake."
This testimonial and this connection remind us why we are here!
- Max, future volunteer mentor
From "the one who finds the solution" to "the one who guides"
This is often the biggest challenge for participants: learning not to want to "fix" everything right away. The mentor must accept that it is the mentee, the young person being supported, who is in the driver's seat. More than immediate advice, it is listening and questioning that move things forward.
Hiellary (50), a logistics manager at the port, leaves feeling at peace: "A weight has been lifted. I now understand that the journey traveled matters just as much as the speed of the result.
My role is to be a bridge, to help the other person gain independence."
A collective human adventure
Beyond the learning, it is the group's energy that leaves a lasting impression. The training wasn't even over before participants were already asking to create a WhatsApp group to stay connected.
Marleen (74), already very active in volunteering, concludes:
‍"This training gave me an incredible boost. Being with people who share the same values really clears your head.
I feel ready and I can't wait to meet my future mentee."
- Marleen, future mentor
Want to become a mentor?
Do you want to have a concrete impact on a young person's future and join our community?
Since 2013, DUO for a JOB has been connecting young people from immigrant backgrounds with experienced volunteer mentors over the age of 50. For six months, they work together on a concrete goal: sustainable integration into the job market.
We answer all your questions in our FAQ here: How do I become a volunteer mentor? What kind of volunteering can I do in retirement? How can DUO for a JOB offer a meaningful volunteer experience? What training is needed to become a coach or mentor? How can I help young immigrants find a job? How can I share my professional experience?
Do you want to have a concrete impact on the future of a young person and join our community? Sign up for an info session near you!
Sign up for the next info session.
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