A call has been made for residents of Latvia's regions to become mentors for young people with behavioral disorders, focusing on changing societal attitudes towards these youth.
In Latvia, particularly in regions, there is a growing initiative urging local residents to step up as mentors for adolescents with behavioral disorders. This program aims to foster a supportive environment for these youths, enabling them to transition more effectively into society. The story revolves around Sandra, who has become a mentor through a collaboration with the SOS Children's Village. The discussion emphasizes societal perceptions and the challenges faced when bringing a teenager into a family setting, as recounted by Sandra and her husband Maigonis.
Sandra shares her experience of welcoming a teenager into their home, highlighting the significant life change that comes with the responsibility of mentoring. Unlike welcoming an infant, which brings joy and excitement, integrating a teenager poses unique challenges and adjustments for families. Both Sandra and Maigonis express their initial concerns about the transition, but they ultimately find fulfillment in helping these young individuals carve a path for their future.
The initiative not only focuses on mentorship but also on rebuilding trust between young people and adults. The program allows adolescents to move from urban environments to the homes of mentor families within the regions for two years. This relationship facilitates a gradual understanding and mutual respect, helping these youths overcome internal barriers while participating in school and engaging in hobbies. The project, featuring insights from child psychiatrist KarΔ«na Beinerte, underlines the importance of community involvement in supporting the mental health and development of vulnerable adolescents.
