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The project was created in response to the results of the OECD’s study. The study revealed that pupils who are vulnerable due to their circumstances are especially in need of a personalised approach to education.

The project’s main aim was to support young people who are vulnerable and at risk of marginalisation, which contributes to the rates of early school leaving. The target group pupils likely to be marginalised were chosen based on these criteria:

• From a disadvantaged background
• No additional support from current structures
• 2nd year of middle school
• Aged between 12 and 13

Based on this criteria, 48 pupils from Malta, Ireland and Estonia were selected for a two-year mentorship programme, in which youth workers mentored pupils during and after school hours.

As result of the mentoring programme, school attendance, exams results and quality of life were improved. Mental wellbeing increased and noticeable improvements in interpersonal relationships and personal development were recorded.

Based on their experience, the project partners compiled a . The guide includes:

• Working on pupil wellbeing
• How to include family members
• How to work with school administrations, educators and support services
• How to increase motivation and academic performance
• How to develop soft skills
• How to improve the overall outlook of pupils’ lives

The young people who took part in the project activities commented on their experience:

Before this project, I felt like no one saw me. Now, with my mentor by my side, I’ve started to believe in myself again. For the first time, I think I actually have a future.

This project helped me realise I'm not just my problems. With someone believing in me, I’ve started to believe in myself too.

Comments by the external reviewers on this resource:

Different Drum is a very relevant project with important and useful outputs. This is a good practice example on how to develop and implement a project – from needs analyses to impact assessment. The publication serves as a textbook, but also includes many workshop plans for direct work with vulnerable pupils.