When you’re on someone’s list of important people: an interview with Mariia Ismagulova

“Mentorship is about finding strength within vulnerability,” says mentor Mariia Ismagulova, describing her experience in the Dobrodiy Club’s Mentorship project.

The Path to Mentorship

Mariia works as a Child Protection Specialist at a Swiss non-governmental organization. Her professional experience and personal values led her to the idea of becoming a mentor for teenagers deprived of parental care. While searching for opportunities, she came across information about the Dobrodiy Club’s Mentorship Project on social media — and decided to join.

“I believe the time will come when NGOs will share responsibility for implementing state social services,” she says confidently.

First Steps — and a Challenging Beginning

Mariia’s first meeting with her mentee, Viktoriia, took place over pizza and cocoa. She recalls that, at first, she was the only one speaking.

“Teenagers need time to observe a new adult — to understand whether this contact is safe and worth entering. My first impression was that she was cautious, as if ready to defend herself.”

Mariia describes Viktoria as a gentle, thoughtful girl who managed to preserve her sensitivity despite difficult life circumstances.

“I can’t say my life changed drastically,” Mariia reflects. “I already have a family, two small children, a demanding job, and social commitments. But one more person appeared in my life — my mentee. Someone I think about, someone who’s part of my focus.”

She admits the hardest part was staying within the mentor’s role — not becoming a mother, a teacher, or a psychologist, but remaining a supportive adult companion. Supervision sessions with psychologists, organized by the Dobrodiy Club, helped her maintain that balance.

Building trust between mentor and mentee takes time. Each conversation, each shared experience, is another brick in the foundation of their relationship. Mariia chose not to rush, allowing their bond to develop naturally, step by step.

They texted on Telegram, exchanged voice messages and memes, and met in person when schedules allowed — Viktoria was also busy studying and working.

“We’re much closer now than when we started,” Mariia shares. “I wanted to show that I’m an adult who’s on her side — someone she can come to with anything and feel safe.”

The true reward for a mentor comes when the mentee takes the first step toward connection — moments invisible to others but deeply meaningful for those who’ve been building trust slowly.

“At first, I was always the one initiating contact. But then I received her first ‘Hi, how are you?’ — and recently even ‘Maybe we could meet on Sunday?’.”

Moments That Matter

Several moments during the project touched Mariia deeply and showed that their bond was growing stronger.
One of them came during a workbook exercise titled “My Journey with My Mentor.”

“She listed four people — and I was one of them. After the wave of gratitude came a deep sense of responsibility. The safe support circle around children with institutional experience is often fragile and small.

So being part of that circle — being on that list — sometimes means more than it seems,” Mariia says.

Another touching moment was their most recent meeting.

“I felt a special warmth when I arrived. Viktoria was already waiting for me, waving with a bright smile. At that moment, I realized — the journey we’ve shared truly mattered.”

Results and Reflections

Mariia’s story shows that mentorship isn’t just a project with a beginning and an end — it’s a subtle process of building trust and creating a safe space for growth. Even when progress isn’t immediately visible, it unfolds at the right moment.

“Sometimes even a short, genuine interaction — where you’re treated with respect and given space to be yourself — can bring warmth later in life.”

Participation in the project reaffirmed Mariia’s belief in her profession and taught her that not everything can be scripted — each child’s story is unique.

Though the project is nearing completion, Mariia plans to stay in touch with Viktoria — and hopes to continue mentoring. She also dreams that more conscious adults will discover this path for themselves.