Welcome to the Peer Mentoring Program (PMP)

The Peer Mentoring Program (PMP) is a flagship initiative of the Continuing Education Network of Latin America and Europe (RECLA), designed to promote excellence and institutional development through collaboration and knowledge sharing among our partner universities. Now in its fifth edition, the PMP represents an ongoing commitment to improving educational quality and innovation in the field of continuing education.

With a consolidated track record and tangible results, our program is designed to facilitate a personalized mentoring process, where participating institutions can leverage the experience and competencies of established leaders in the field of continuing education. Through this process, self-assessment, critical analysis and the implementation of effective strategies to address specific challenges and achieve aspirational goals are encouraged.

We invite all affiliated institutions to join us in this journey of transformation and growth. Together, we can chart a path to excellence in continuing education, making a significant impact in our communities and beyond.

Program carried out by the self-evaluation committee

Driving change in continuing education

Since its conception in 2021, the Peer Mentoring Program (PMP) of the Continuing Education Network of Latin America and Europe (RECLA) has been a bulwark in the advancement and strengthening of our partner institutions. This year, as we celebrate the fifth edition of the program, we wish to express our sincere thanks to all those who have made this milestone possible.

Special recognition goes to the Self-Assessment Committee, whose dedication and tireless work have allowed the development of this inspiring program, and to all the institutions that, with their logos represented, have collaborated and shared their knowledge and experience with generosity and commitment.

Five years of joint efforts have borne fruit in a robust and enriching program that reflects the essence of collaboration and mutual learning. Thank you for being part of this journey, for growing together and for making the PMP a benchmark of excellence and peer-to-peer support. Here's to many more years of shared success!

Our impact

Driving change in continuing education

+40
Mentors

We have accompanied more than 22 institutions on their way to excellence in continuing education. Be part of this growing network!

+57
Mentees

Managers who receive, through a benchmarking process, project ideas and changes for their continuing education units.

+15
Countries

A fabric of international collaboration that transcends borders and cultures.

+50
Duples

The program has had more than 20 pairs formed between mentors and mentees respectively.

Institutional testimonials

The power of mentoring is best reflected in the words of those who have lived the experience. Below are inspiring testimonials from our partner universities who have been part of the PMP. These narratives are a genuine reflection of the collaborative spirit and progress achieved through our network. They are stories of transformation, joint learning and shared success. We hope these stories not only inform, but also motivate and resonate with each new member who joins our community.

It allowed us to design an implementation plan for the development of tailor-made continuing education and to seek an efficient linkage with the organizations in order to meet the relevant needs of the industries that are the focus of the school. The support and generosity of the Tecnológico de Monterrey, headed by Jorge Blando Martínez, were definitive for achieving small victories in the School's Continuing Education and for the formulation of the project through which the School intends to develop the potential of the linkage with organizations.

The mentorships provided based on knowledge, experience and implementation of the activities performed at UPAEP by the mentor are noteworthy, in addition to advice and suggestions for the improvement of Continuing Education at UAA were very enriching. The mentor's work was of great help in opening up a panorama of positive changes within the UAA that will guarantee opportunities for improvement.

It was a great and enriching experience of working together, learning about the operation of the Vice Rector's Office of Linkage with the Environment, the Continuing Education Unit and the Virtual Education Department of the María Cano University Foundation, which have been working for years on these issues that we are beginning to develop. They shared with us their good practices and the things that did not work, both at the management level, as well as program design and implementation. We are very grateful for the willingness and kindness with which they shared all their experiences and supported us.

During my professional life and now in the academy, I have found no greater satisfaction than sharing knowledge and experience with the objective of being able to support those who are looking for solutions to certain situations. Having participated as a mentor, I have also been able to learn many things that I might never have been able to learn in my life. It is very gratifying to participate as a mentor taking a two-way attitude, because learning throughout life never ends.

The experience was very enriching and triggering of hidden or well overlooked points. Being able to include experiences with other units was of great value as well. Dr. Martinez from the University of Vic - UCC was a pillar in the personal use of this process with the phrase of the first day "if I do not know it I look here who has the answer" which also showed a great willingness and incredible flexibility with challenges such as the difference in hours we manage. Thanks to the RECLA community for this space for growth and reflection. On my part served and happy. I will continue to support the program in whatever capacity I can and will be allowed.

The mentoring received on quality assurance in continuing education has been a valuable experience for the UNAE team, as it has given us the opportunity to recognize similarities in the challenges and difficulties of the CE units, as well as to expose our interests, needs and expectations in the areas of management. The mentor, with her experience and knowledge, provided a series of alternatives related to good practices and recommendations that we hope to implement to improve our academic and management processes in the medium and long term.

The PMP is remarkable and deserves to be extended to more Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in the region. Peer mentoring among managers and specialists in lifelong learning/continuing education facilitates a valuable exchange of experiences in areas such as management, strategy, governance, quality, teaching, sustainability and internationalization. At UTPL, we reiterate our firm commitment to actively participate in similar initiatives. We are focused on contributing to the development of continuous spaces for debate and reflection.

It has been an enormous space for professional and personal growth, accompanying a mentoring process, because at the same time that the concerns occur, it is inevitable to review the personal look, the review of one's own biases and the abandonment of positions to grow and help others to grow. It is an initiative that brings us closer among colleagues from universities to strengthen us as a network.

Peer mentoring is an extraordinary opportunity to get to know and deepen the different aspects related to continuing education that are of interest to the people and institutions that participate in it. A mutual growth that is worth taking advantage of and a great proposal from RECLA in which we feel fortunate to be able to participate.

The RECLA mentoring process was an opportunity to motivate enriching dialogues that generated two-way learning. They are an excellent opportunity to share good practices and lessons learned with Continuing Education peers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Peer Mentoring Program (PMP)?

The PMP is an initiative of the Continuing Education Network of Latin America and Europe (RECLA) that focuses on institutional self-evaluation and collaboration among partner institutions to strengthen their continuing education units.

Who can participate in the PMP?

Universities that are members of RECLA and wish to improve specific areas of their continuing education through mentoring are eligible to participate.

How do I apply as a mentee or mentor?

Institutions interested in receiving mentoring (mentees) should perform a self-assessment and request RECLA's support, specifying the priority items for improvement. Those who wish to be mentors should express their interest through the application form and present their professional profile.

What are the dates of the 5th edition of the PMP?

Launching of the call for proposals: November 17, 2023
Receipt of applications from mentors and mentees: Until February 16, 2024
Review and pair formation: Up to February 29, 2024
Notifications: March 1 to March 8, 2024
Development of mentorships: March 5 to August 30, 2024
Reporting date: September 30, 2024

Is the PMP included in the RECLA membership?

Yes, it is included in RECLA's institutional membership.

What is the Peer Mentoring Program (PMP) not?

The Peer Mentoring Program (PMP) is not a consulting, coaching or advisory service. Unlike these services, which are often led by external experts with a focus on delivering direct solutions, the PMP is based on collaborative learning and institutional self-assessment. It aims to foster peer-to-peer sharing of experiences and knowledge within RECLA partner institutions, focusing on strengthening Continuing Education units through mentoring rather than providing advice or pre-determined solutions.

What is the mentoring process once accepted?

Once the applications are approved, a work agenda will be established with the objectives and scope of the mentoring. The work sessions will be conducted according to this agenda and the mentee will be expected to implement the recommended strategies.

How is the success of the mentoring process evaluated?

Success is evaluated through final reports submitted by the mentors and a strategy implementation plan by the mentees, as well as a satisfaction rating with the service received.

Will I receive any kind of certification upon completion?

Yes, RECLA will issue a certificate validating participation and completion of activities within the PMP.

How is the confidentiality of information handled?

Confidentiality is a priority in the Peer Mentoring Program (PMP). All information shared by participating institutions is handled with the highest level of discretion. Mentors agree to respect privacy and not to disclose sensitive information outside the context of the program. In addition, a confidentiality agreement is signed at the beginning of the process to ensure that all participants are protected and feel safe sharing details that are critical to the success of the mentoring.

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Welcome to the Peer Mentoring Program (PMP)

Program carried out by the self-evaluation committee

Our impact

+40 Mentors

+57 Mentees

+15 Countries

+50 Duples