Tereza Brumovská

Ph.D. Topic: International Comparative Research on the Big Brothers Big Sisters Youth Mentoring Programme in Ireland and the Czech Republic

This international comparative research on youth mentoring aims to explore how the benefits of mentoring relationships are mediated through mentors´ approach and styles towards children.

In addition, the perceived benefits of mentoring will be explored and compared according to the views of mentoring stakeholders. What do mentors provide in mentoring relationships that is perceived as beneficial by children and young people? How do mentors develop mentoring relationships and approach children? What are the risks and dilemmas of mentors´ role in formal youth mentoring relationships? How do mentoring relationships differ in different countries in the context of similar youth mentoring programmes?

The study will explore and compare 22 case-studies in the Irish and Czech BBBS programme. The study will follow 22 matches for the course of 1 year of their relationship. The research questions will be answered by analysis of the data collected in structured and semi-structured interviews with mentors, children, parents and case-workers; and by documentary analysis of case files. Finally, the results will be compared between Ireland and the Czech Republic.

The study is a part of the research programme of the UNESCO Chair in Children, Youth and Civic Engagement, developed by Child and Family Research Centre at NUI Galway. The research study is undertaken in collaboration with Charles University in Prague. The partners of the study are Big Brothers Big Sisters Ireland, hosted by Foróige; and Big Brothers Big Sisters/5P Czech Republic.

The results of the study will contribute to the knowledge of mentoring relationships´ principles and the process of mediation of mentoring benefits as well as risks and ethical dilemmas. Recommendations for good practice and policy in youth mentoring programmes will be made.