Cultural Mentoring with Mihail
Cultural Mentoring at Tjina is delivered by Mihail Lochowiak, a proud Kaurna, Pitjantjatjara and Ngarrindjeri man and founder of Tjina.
Cultural Mentoring
The mentoring is relaxed, practical and built around the person. It is not about sitting in a room and being told what to do.
It might look like getting out in community, talking about culture and identity, building confidence, working through challenges, connecting with positive people, setting goals or simply having someone consistent in your corner.
For some people, it is about strengthening an existing connection to culture. For others, it may be about starting to explore where they come from and what culture means to them.
There is no set program. The support is shaped around the person, their interests, their goals and where they are at.
What Cultural Mentoring Can Support
- Cultural identity and connection
- Confidence and self-esteem
- Connection to community
- Connection to Country
- Positive role modelling
- Building healthy routines
- Social confidence
- Decision-making and problem solving
- Education and employment goals
- Transition into adulthood
- Community participation
- Building stronger relationships
- Setting and working towards personal goals
- Finding positive activities and interests
- Having a trusted person to talk things through with
A Different Kind of Support
For a lot of people, traditional services do not always feel comfortable or natural.
Cultural Mentoring gives people the opportunity to build a genuine relationship with someone they can relate to.
Mihail’s approach is straightforward and down to earth. The focus is on spending time together, building trust and working on things that actually matter to the person.
Some sessions might involve a walk, training, going to an event, spending time in community, having a yarn, working towards employment or study, or finding new ways to stay connected and motivated.
The mentoring does not need to look the same every week.
NDIS Cultural Mentoring
Cultural Mentoring is available to NDIS participants where the support aligns with the participant’s goals and funding.
Mentoring can be tailored around goals such as:
- Social and community participation
- Confidence and independence
- Building relationships
- Emotional regulation
- Cultural identity
- Community connection
- Daily living skills
- Education and employment
- Transition into adulthood
Tjina can also work with families, Support Coordinators and other members of the participant’s team where needed.
Private Cultural Mentoring
You do not need an NDIS plan to work with Mihail.
Private Cultural Mentoring is available for individuals and families who are looking for culturally connected, one-to-one support.
This may suit someone who wants a positive Aboriginal role model, stronger connection to culture and community, more confidence, greater direction, or simply someone consistent to walk alongside them.
Sometimes the right person makes the difference.
Cultural Mentoring is about building a genuine connection and creating space for someone to feel heard, supported and more confident in who they are.
If you think Mihail could be the right mentor for you, your child, a participant or someone you support, get in touch with Tjina.