CoHer Mobility – Portugal
As part of the launch of the CoHer Mentorship Programme, which took place in Bragança , Portugal in January 2026, the session titled “Beyond Theory: Lessons from Real Mentorship Journeys” brought together mentors, trainees, and education stakeholders. The aim was to explore how mentoring can serve as a powerful driver of inclusion, confidence, and professional growth in vocational settings.
More than a theoretical conversation, the session highlighted real stories from the field, experiences that revealed the human side of mentoring and the profound impact it can have on both mentees and mentors.
Through real testimonies, participants shared how mentoring relationships develop over time, what challenges they faced, and which strategies proved most effective when supporting students with diverse needs and backgrounds. The speakers emphasized the importance of empathy, active listening, and consistency, noting that the most meaningful mentorship moments often emerge in everyday interactions rather than structured activities.
The session also explored how mentoring creates a bridge between school and workplace expectations, helping young learners navigate uncertainty, build confidence, and develop practical problem-solving skills. At the same time, mentors reflected on how the experience pushed them to grow professionally, encouraging them to adopt more inclusive practices and deepen their understanding of learner diversity.
Overall, “Beyond Theory” reinforced an essential message: mentorship is not only a pedagogical tool but a transformational relationship, capable of shaping more inclusive learning environments and empowering students to envision their future with clarity and purpose.
Estefânia Gonçalves, MORE
