Mentoring disadvantaged students and developing resilience

Gizella Kovács – Anikó Fehérvári

Abstract

One in four children in Hungary is at risk of poverty and social exclusion. Supporting disadvantaged students is a key social issue, aiming to promote equal opportunities and reduce learning disadvantages. This paper examines the mentoring program of the Pro Talentis Public Benefit Foundation for Supporting the Education of Disadvantaged Students (Pro Talentis Hátrányos Helyzetű Gyermekek Képzését Támogató Közhasznú Alapítvány, PTA) and its role and impact on developing resilience. Individual mentoring within PTA is a long-term process lasting approximately 10 years. Through their knowledge and experience, mentors guide the personal development of children and young people while also fostering a sense of belonging and providing stability for those from disadvantaged backgrounds. This paper presents the work of the Foundation, summarizing the quantitative and qualitative results of the past 15 years and highlighting the resilience-building effects of mentoring. All this contributes to the further development, expansion, and adaptability of the PTA's professional program for other organizations.

Keywords: disadvantaged students, social responsibility, civil organizations, mentoring, resilience