Throughout my career, I have mentored or guided around 850 students, mentees, and colleagues. Each experience has been different and rewarding in its own way.

As the Lead Mentor for the WeWrite project, I’ve had the unique opportunity to guide a team of eight dedicated mentors and their mentees in crafting eight insightful policy papers. This journey, filled with its own set of challenges and rewards, has been an enriching experience that I’m thrilled to share with you. In its essence, WeWrite offers a comprehensive learning package that equips our participants with the necessary skills and knowledge for policy writing and prepares them for what comes after their policy propositions are written – communication and advocacy.

We started by setting a common ground for work that allows for freedom of thought while ensuring joint approaches and group pacing. With the “Methodological Guidelines for Writing Policy Papers,” we laid a foundation for all our participants. This guide serves as a lucid roadmap, leading participants from the initial research phase to the final editing and presentation of their policy papers.

Every month, we provided our participants with step-by-step guidance and how-to support, enabling them to navigate the policy paper writing process steadily. This support was customized to cater to the unique needs of each participant, with a focus on honing effective policy writing styles and techniques. That’s why each writer had a personal mentor. This mentorship aims to enhance their soft skills and capacity development, equipping them with the tools needed to excel in policy work.

As the Lead Mentor, it’s been a privilege to witness the growth and development of each participant firsthand. I wholeheartedly salute the mentors – excellent professionals who deeply cared about the success of their mentees.

As the Lead Mentor, I also emphasized networking, one of the most exhilarating aspects of WeWrite. Our participants had the chance to connect with other policy writers, mentors, and public sector professionals. We all understood that expanding our professional connections and opening up new avenues in the SEE network is a precious added value for all of us. In that light, we gave our best to give the mentees the opportunity to present their policy ideas at a high-level global event – the Young Bled Strategic Forum. This not only provided them a platform to showcase their work but also gave an invaluable experience of presenting in a professional setting.

In essence, the learning journey at WeWrite empowered our participants to excel in policy work and empowered me with hope and vision for the Western Balkans. Leading and witnessing the incredible growth and development of each participant has been an honor. I eagerly look forward to seeing where their journey takes them next.