1. Getting started

• Is it mandatory to attend the Volunteer Orientation session to start mentoring at Aidha?

  Yes, it is mandatory to attend the Volunteer Orientation session. Attending these sessions is the first step in becoming a mentor and also the best way to know who we are, what we do, the different ways you can help, and to get your questions answered.

   

• How do I sign-up to become a mentor?

  At the Volunteer Orientation, you can indicate your preference for the various classes and sign-up for the class that you are eligible for and interested in.
  
  Our mentors are required to abide by the Aidha Code of Conduct here.
  
  

2. Training for mentors

• Do I need to undergo any training to become a mentor?

  Yes. All volunteers who wish to volunteer with Aidha as a mentor are required to complete a mentor training before they adopt a batch.

   

• What is the required experience and criteria for becoming a mentor?

  The following table gives a detailed description of the experience and training requirements for mentors across the different classes:

  Course	Time Commitment	Experience Required
  Improve your English	2 x 3 hr classes per month for 6 months ( = 12 sessions )	CELTA / TESOL Certification preferred
  Communications & Confidence	1 x 1½ hr classes per month for 6 months ( = 6 sessions each )	Minimum three years of work experience in any field
  Money Management 1
  Essential Computer Skills Mentor / Coach	2 x 1½ hr classes per month for 6 months ( = 12 sessions each )	Minimum one year of work experience in any field (Mentor) Good computer skills; no work experience required (Coach)
  Communications and Leadership	2 x 1½ hr classes per month for 6 months ( = 12 sessions each )	Minimum three years of work experience in any field
  Money Management 2		Minimum three years of work experience in any field. Financial Management experience preferred.
  Business Strategy	2 x 1½ hr classes per month for 6 months ( = 12 sessions each )	Minimum three years of work experience in any field. Leadership and/or entrepreneurial experience preferred
  Business Operations

• Is it mandatory to complete the training for Module 1 as a mentor before we get trained for Module 2 or Module 3?

  No, it is not mandatory for a mentor to complete training for Module 1 before being trained for Module 2 or Module 3. If you meet the minimum requirements and are interested in adopting a Module 2 or Module 3 class of students, you may indicate your interest in Module 2 or Module 3, complete the required training and adopt a batch.

   

• Can I get trained for more than one class at the same time?

  Yes, you can get trained for multiple classes at the same time.

3. Courses offered by Aidha

• What are the different courses offered by Aidha?

  Aidha courses are divided into three modules – Module 1, Module 2 and Module 3. We also offer an “Improve Your English” course.

   

  Module 1 – Manage Your Money & Tech: Students learn how to save, plan and manage their money; get equipped with computer skills; and build self-confidence to improve their future.

  Module 2 – Plan Your Financial Future: Students develop their personal financial plan and learn how to achieve it. They learn how to invest in productive assets such as building, land, livestock.

  Module 3 – Start Your Own Business: In this module, our students learn about business concepts, develop entrepreneurship skills and get equipped to start a business to support their families.

   

  Improve Your English: Students increase confidence in speaking and writing English, and learn how to communicate better in their daily lives with their employers and others.

   

• Can a student enrol directly for Module 2 or Module 3?

  No, a student cannot enroll directly for Module 2 or Module 3. It is mandatory for every student to enroll for Module 1 before they can start Module 2, and to complete Module 1 and Module 2 before Module 3. However, students can register for all three modules or two modules at the same time. In such cases, the students are required to finish at least 3 months of Module 1 before they can start Module 2 at Aidha and similarly the student is required to finish at least 3 months of Module 2 before they can start Module 3.

   

• What is the duration of the course?

  Each module runs for a duration of 6 months.

   

• What are the batch timings?

  On a given Sunday, we have two groups of batches that are divided according to the following time slot:
  – AM Batch: 10.00am to 1.15pm (Module 1, 2 and 3) and 10.00am to 1.00pm (Improve your English)
  – PM Batch: 1.45pm to 5pm (Module 1, 2 and 3) or 2pm to 5pm for (Improve Your English)

4. Support for mentors

• What if I cannot make it to the class on a given Sunday?

  In case you are unable to make it to a class on a given Sunday, you can connect with your fellow mentors and request for them to act as your substitute. Requests for replacements should be made as early as possible. It is the mentor as well as the Aidha office team’s responsibility to find a substitute mentor and ensure that no classes are cancelled on any scheduled Sunday.

   

• What if I am unsuccessful in finding a replacement?

  Please write to the Volunteer & HR Manager at [email protected].

   

• Do I need to prepare the materials for the courses?

  We already have a set curriculum in place. All mentors will be given online access to their respective class materials. You will not be required to print out any material as the same will be provided to you on the day of your class.

   

• Can I share new materials or videos that are not in the course book with my class?

  To ensure consistency in the curriculum that is imparted to all our students, we recommend that no new materials or videos or content from outside the course materials be shared with our students.

   

• I have never mentored before. Will I be able to get any extra support if I need it?

  As part of our training structure, we have a strong Mentor Buddy Programme in place. Under this programme all our new mentors are assigned a Mentor Buddy before your first batch. Your buddy will help prepare you to become a mentor, especially for your first session and give you the necessary feedback and inputs from time to time.

   

• Will I be assigned a Mentor Buddy before the start of every batch I adopt?

  No, you will only be assigned a Mentor Buddy before the start of the first batch that you adopt as a mentor at Aidha and not for all the subsequent batches that you adopt.

   

• Can I adopt more than one batch at the same time?

  Yes, you can adopt more than one batch at the same time.

   

• As students write a Business Plan as part of their Module 3 syllabus, when is the deadline to submit the same?

  All business plans should be submitted by the final class. Students should be actively reminded from the first class about this deadline and mentors must be strict in ensuring students adhere to this.

   

• In case I notice some problems in the class attendance or attendance of a particular student, what steps do I need to undertake?

  In case you notice a constant problem in your class attendance or attendance of a particular student, please contact our Campus Manager or inform the Aidha office team on campus regarding this.

  For any further queries on mentoring at Aidha, please email us at [email protected].