Participants in the “Mentor Project” often recognise themselves in a specific profile: a passionate teacher who believes that relationships with students are fundamental, but who discovers, thanks to the project, that relationships with colleagues can also make a real difference. Some refer to themselves as “community colleagues”, emphasising the importance of interaction and exchange with peers.
Indeed, since its foundation, the “Mentor Project” has grown to become more than just a training programme for university teachers; it has evolved into a true community of people united by a passion for teaching and a desire to improve and share experiences, ideas and tools.
One of the project’s defining features is the atmosphere of openness, inclusion and informality that characterises it, providing an opportunity to build authentic relationships with colleagues.
Over time, several spontaneous social initiatives have been born, promoted and supported by the participants themselves, all based around these values.
Following the initial residential workshop, the desire to continue meeting outside official events resulted in the establishment of regular informal gatherings, collectively referred to as the “House of Mentor”.
This social dimension has also been enhanced by the creation of a strong visual community identity, comprising a logo, flag, stickers, T-shirts and sweatshirts, which accompany the meetings.
Another well-known informal aspect of the project is the “Walking Mentors”, where mentors meet to go trekking, spend time together, talk freely and form new connections in nature.
For mentors, especially those from other universities or cities, joining the Project network means receiving a warm welcome, finding practical and professional support, and, above all, not feeling alone. The community provides an environment in which to explore, share and experiment with new ideas for teaching and new perspectives on the role of the teacher, free from judgement.
What makes the “Mentor Project” unique is its collective spirit: an active and vibrant community thanks to the dedication, imagination and enthusiasm of its members.