Supporting language learning of migrant children and young adults through language buddies

Language Buddy aims at enhancing the language learning of students (12 to 17 years old) with a refugee/migrant background through non-formal and informal learning through the upscaling of mentoring practices and implementation of a buddy system. Coordinated by HEIs, schools/education authorities, NGOs and migrant-led organizations, the buddy system will involve their matching with students of Higher Education Institutions (pedagogy/education/language/literature departments) who will be supported to act as language mentors in terms of voluntary programmes and/or placements within the framework of their studies. Apart from linguistic support, this buddy system will enable pupils to gain a better understanding of the culture and education system of the society in a safe environment where their culture is also valued, as well as possibly motivate the continuation of their studies. At the same time, it will help the HEI students develop their intercultural skills, thus contributing to enhancing their tolerance and acceptance, much needed to work in multicultural educational environments. The project’s starting point will be the identification of best practices regarding mentoring and buddy system initiatives, co-design workshops and peer learning workshops. These activities will lead to the Language Buddy Model that will be applied through the establishment of Language
Buddy systems in HEIs, the development of an online course and e-platform, as well as a transnational ToT of 22 HEI students and a total training of 365 HEI students. The 365 mentors will be matched with mentees and 4-6-month buddy sessions will take place, leading to the finalization of the Language Buddy Model. National digital roundtables with key stakeholders will also inform
recommendations, leading to one contextualized Policy Recommendations Report per country to be used for the Language Buddy Model’s mainstreaming at national level.