Who are the people in the pictures on your homepage?
We’re proud to work with such inspiring people, both mentors and entrepreneurs- that’s why they’re on our homepage. Featured Mowgli Entrepreneur: Salim Akil. Featured Mowgli Mentor: Zakia Demaghelatrous.
Important: Common Registration Problem
If you are trying to register for the Mowgli Website, and you keep getting the page pop up with the password fields empty and not letting you carry on to the ‘success’ page, check each field carefully. You must fill out every box correctly or you will not be able to continue! Register again here: www.mowgli.org.uk/register
Other questions in our FAQ:
- What exactly happens if I sign up to take part in a Mowgli programme?
- Where do mentors need to be based?
- What’s the MME?
- What happens at the MME?
- What kind of time commitment is expected from Mowgli Mentors?
- What kind of time commitment is expected from Mowgli Entrepreneurs?
- How much does it cost?
- What’s mentoring?
- What should I bring on the Mowgli Mentoring Experience (MME)?
- What is not included in the MME package?
- Can I bring my wife/husband/partner/children on the MME?
- How do we travel to the MME?
- What about visas?
- What if I need to cancel my participation?
- Where do you run programmes?
- Why do you do it?
- Who are you?
- Why are you called the Mowgli Foundation?
- How are you funded?
- Can you tell me more about the countries/partners you work with?
- How do you work with Palestinian entrepreneurs?
- Is your UK service nationwide?
Mowgli Foundation FAQ
What exactly happens if I sign up to take part in a Mowgli programme?
The Mowgli Mentoring Experience is a unique learning opportunity for both entrepreneurs and mentors. To learn more about what exactly happens if you apply, and what’s expected of our Entrepreneurs and Mentors, check out our How it Works pages to learn more about the year-long mentoring process and download the Participation Guidelines document.
Where do mentors need to be based?
Mowgli mentors travel to the country location of the MME, but thereafter conduct their mentoring relationships via Skype, email, and other long-distance communications as convenient. Many mentors take another trip to their entrepreneur’s business throughout the relationship but this is a matter of personal choice. You can therefore be based anywhere in the world and work with a mentee entrepreneur from any of the countries we work. However, you must be able to travel to the MME to be matched with an entrepreneur, and you must have access to reliable internet services in your home country to keep in contact afterwards. Mowgli was one of the first organisations to successfully launch distance mentoring and our facilitators specialise in supporting distance mentoring relationships.
What’s the MME?
The MME is the Mowgli Mentoring Experience, also sometimes referred to as the Matching Event. It is a relationship-building experience, taking 4 days for Mowgli Mentors and 2 days for Mowgli Entrepreneurs. It comprises of a series of seminars, social events, and learning workshops chaired by expert facilitators and culminates in the matching of mentors with entrepreneurs in 1:1 relationships which last for the year.
The MME is usually held in a hotel or lodge in a secluded rural location in whichever country the programme is held. (For an example, see our Jordanian accommodation partners at the Feynan Eco Lodge.) If you are reading this from the UK, please be aware that some of the following information is more applicable for entrepreneurs in the Middle East working with international mentors- though the basic outline of MMEs remains exactly the same. If you have any questions you can contact us.
What happens at the MME?
The first two days of the MME is for mentors only, during which they receive training in active listening, effective communication, self-awareness, and key emotional intelligence skills necessary for mentoring.
During the latter two days of the MME, mentors and entrepreneurs engage in group workshops and evening social events designed to accelerate relationship building, to prepare the entrepreneurs for reflection on their business goals in partnership with a mentor.
The final stage of the MME is the Matching, where the facilitators will match entrepreneurs to an appropriate mentor.
MMEs take place in a secluded location in each country, away from the distractions of everyday life. Mentors and entrepreneurs are expected to commit to the full length of the MME and to arrange to give their full attention to the MME throughout this time. We strongly suggest you clear your diary and do not expect to carry out work activities remotely during the MME as there is not always internet/cellphone connection available, and taking part in other activities will distract you from the experience and the unique relationships you are forging with your peers.
What kind of time commitment is expected from Mowgli Mentors?
The major time commitment for Mentors is the 4-day Mowgli Mentoring Experience (MME). This 4 days is exclusive of travel time. The programmes will usually commence at 9.00 on Day 1 and end at approximately 6pm on Day 4. Many mentors find it beneficial to allow extra time while they are in-country to travel to the capital cities for additional sight-seeing and to get a flavour of the local business environment, since the MMEs are generally held in a secluded location. (The warm nature of local hospitality often means that Mentors are invited to visit their Mentee’s business and/or home, but this is entirely a matter of personal choice on the part of the mentee and should not be expected to occur; nor should any costs incurred from post-MME travel be passed on to Mowgli.)
Mentors who are taking part in MMEs in their own country/locality are still expected to take part on a full-time basis in the entire 4 day programme. It is also expected that you will keep your evenings free in this period to participate in group social events. This is important for the relationship building aspect of the MME.
The year-long mentoring commitment is based on arrangements made between the mentee and mentor. While there is no compulsory framework for commitment from Mowgli, as our facilitators will explain at the MME, the usual expectation for Mowgli Mentors is at least 3-4 hours a month focused on the mentoring relationship and many mentors will give significantly more time than this. You are free to set what you feel are appropriate time commitments for your mentee entrepreneur, and guidance on this will be given in your MME training.
In addition, you must agree to take part in quarterly peer calls with your mentoring group and facilitator. These generally happen via Skype and take approximately 1 hour. There are also quarterly monitoring questionnaires to ensure that Mowgli Mentors are fully supported in their relationships and to flag up any concerns. These are online questionnaires which take no longer than 15 minutes to complete.
What kind of time commitment is expected from Mowgli Entrepreneurs?
The major time commitment for entrepreneurs is the 2-day Mowgli Mentoring Experience (MME). This 2 days is exclusive of travel time. The programmes will usually commence at 9.00 on Day 1 and end at approximately 6pm on Day 2. Some entrepreneurs will also find it helpful to set aside time after the MME is finished, to spend with their mentor if the mentor wishes to stay in country for a day or two; it can be beneficial to show your mentor around your business and give them insight into local business practices. This is however a personal choice for both mentor and mentee, and is not a Mowgli expectation. Any costs incurred cannot be passed on to Mowgli.
During the 2 day MME, it is also expected that you will keep your evenings free to participate in group social events. This is important for the relationship building aspect of the MME.
The year-long mentoring commitment is based on arrangements made between the mentee and mentor. While there is no compulsory framework for commitment from Mowgli, as our facilitators will explain at the MME, the usual expectation for Mowgli Entrepreneurs is at least 3-4 hours a month focused on the mentoring relationship. Your mentor will likely ask you to undertake reflective tasks relating to your business, which will require some time away from the day to day running of your business- this may amount to a few hours a month. Entrepreneurs will have to ensure that they are able to commit to these tasks; mentors will expect you to be focused when they speak with you.
There are also quarterly monitoring questionnaires to ensure that Mowgli Entrepreneurs are fully supported in their relationships and to flag up any concerns. These are online questionnaires which take no longer than 15 minutes to complete.
How much does it cost?
All participating mentors are encouraged to make a minimum financial contribution which covers the cost of their participation on the Mowgli programme, and on this unique experience. Generally this contribution covers flights/travel costs and accommodation. Should mentors have difficulty meeting these costs, consideration to a grant being made will be given in exceptional circumstances. Mowgli will discuss each mentor’s contribution individually at the Interview stage of the application process. Find out more about becoming a Mowgli Mentor here.
For Mowgli Mentors who are sponsored by their workplace, costs can vary depending on the country location and the number of mentors from your company who take part. To find out more about sponsoring a mentor or getting your company involved with Mowgli, visit our Corporate information pages here.
Mowgli Entrepreneurs do not have to pay to take part in the Mowgli Experience, though many entrepreneurs make a voluntary contribution to the Foundation at the completion of their year. However, you must demonstrate that you meet the minimum criteria in order to apply. Please visit our How It Works page to download the Participation Guidelines and understand what we expect from Mowgli Entrepreneurs.
What’s mentoring?
Mowgli Mentoring is NOT:
- Coaching
- Training
- A business advisory service
- A boss/employee style relationship
- Governed by hard-and-fast rules or ‘learning agreements’
To learn about what Mowgli Mentoring IS, visit the ‘What is Mentoring’ Section. (There’s also a good simple breakdown of what the differences are between mentoring, coaching and counselling in this article by Rich Meiss.)
What should I bring on the Mowgli Mentoring Experience (MME)?
This generally depends on the country in which the programme takes part in terms of weather and geography, etc. You will receive communications in preparation for your visit which will give you further details, once you are accepted onto a programme.
Mowgli will provide food and refreshments as well as accommodation and will usually arrange all transfers in-country. You will be asked if you have any special dietary requirements if you are accepted onto a programme.
Generally, participants bring their own prescription medications, sunscreen, local currency for contingencies, toiletries, travel adaptors for electrical items, a notebook and pen/pencil, travelling clothes and shoes for walking outdoors. Mowgli participants must also arrange their own travel insurance.
What is not included in the MME package?
- Any meals, refreshments, beverages not specified
- Items of a personal nature, i.e. snacks, laundry, meals or menus other than those provided by Mowgli on-site, telephone calls, tips for hotel staff
- Travel to/from UK airport
- Travel insurance or health insurance
Can I bring my wife/husband/partner/children on the MME?
It is not advisable to have anyone else with you, since the MME is an experience which requires your full attention. Anyone not registered on the Mowgli programme will not be permitted to take part or observe workshops or seminars, since the learning activities encourage personal information to be shared, in a confidential atmosphere. The evening social events are designed to be private also, to create openness and honesty between MME participants.
How do we travel to the MME?
Travel will be in economy class flights throughout (for mentors coming from out-of-country) with transfer in-country generally by road (usually mini-bus). Mowgli will arrange air travel with our partners. More details will be given once you are accepted onto a programme. To read more about the countries we work, click here:
Mowgli UK/ Mowgli Lebanon/ Mowgli Syria/ Mowgli Jordan
What about visas?
Participants are expected to ensure they have a passport valid for at leas 6 months after the date of travel and are responsible for obtaining a visa for the country they are travelling to. You will receive further instructions and guidance once you are accepted onto a programme.
What if I need to cancel my participation?
Any cancellation must be notified in writing with a minimum of 5 days notice. Should your airline ticket and accommodation be confirmed at the time of your cancellation, you will be liable for any cancellation charges
Where do you run programmes?
In 2011, we are likely to run MME programmes with Syrian, Jordanian, Palestinian, Lebanese, and British entrepreneurs. The MME events will usually take place in a regional location, rather than in capital cities, where possible. Currently, Palestinian entrepreneurs attend MMEs in Jordan, but this may change in future.
To find out more about a programme in the country you are interested in, please check our Events page, click on the Country Page in the right hand menu, or contact the Mentoring Coordinator.
Why do you do it?
Who are you?
Why are you called the Mowgli Foundation?
The fictional character of Mowgli (from the Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling) is symbolic for our founder Tony Bury of an individual who gains skills and confidence because somebody older or wiser takes the time to support them.
Mowgli was a little boy who is lost by his parents, ending up in the wilderness of the jungle. He is adopted by wolves, who teach him to survive and fend for himself. Baloo the bear and Bagheera the black panther become Mowgli’s trusted friends, who help him understand the laws and dangers of the jungle and overcome challenges from enemies. Importantly, Baloo and Bagheera also support Mowgli as he learns to be human; he must learn to function not as an animal but as a man if he is to be happy and successful. Thus, Mowgli’s mentors don’t try to mould him in their image; instead, they understand his unique needs and guide him as he learns. It is Mowgli himself, not his mentors, who ultimately is responsible for reaching his fullest potential.
How are you funded?
Currently, we are funded primarily by private philanthropic funds donated by those who believe in the aims of the Mowgli Foundation. Our mission is to provide mentors who inspire, support and empower entrepreneurs in achieving their business and personal potential, encouraging sustainable job creation and social and economic development. In 2011 we are expanding the scope and number of our programmes and will be seeking funding from a number of other sources, backed up by our past success and the potential scalability of the MME mission and experience. For more information about how your company can get involved with Mowgli, click here. To donate directly online and support our mission, click here.
Can you tell me more about the countries/partners you work with?
- Find out more about our work in Lebanon here
- Find out more about our work in Jordan here
- Find out more about our work in Syria here
- Find out more about our work in the UK here
We are soon to launch in Palestine and Egypt. These pages are coming soon.
How do you support Palestinian entrepreneurs?
For cost/logistical reasons, up until 2011 Palestinian entrepreneurs have been supported through Jordanian partners and hosted by Jordanian-based MMEs, rather than attending an MME in-country.
In 2011 we are hoping to launch an MME which will be based within the Palestinian territories, with the support of local partners. More information on this is coming soon.
For now, if you are applying to mentor a Palestinian entrepreneur, please apply for Jordan and indicate your preferences on your Mentor application form. If you have any questions please contact the Mentoring Coordinator.
If you are an entrepreneur based in Palestine, please apply here.
Is your UK service nationwide?
We are based in Bristol, but because of our ‘distance mentoring’ model, we can match entrepreneurs anywhere in the country with a mentor- as long as you are able to travel to our MME programme event to be matched. However, we understand that people prefer to be matched with someone who is relatively local to them. So, we are launching programmes in 2011 based in two regions: the South West and the North West, with events running in two cities: Bristol and Manchester. You can read more about that here, and please keep up to date with MowgliUK on Twitter.
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