More than 5,340 hours of mentoring: this is one of the key results of the European AMIF-funded Language Buddy -Supporting language learning of migrant children and young adults through language buddies project, which has brought together higher education institutions, schools, NGOs and migrant-led organisations across eight European countries to support the language learning and inclusion of young people with migrant and refugee backgrounds. Coordinated by the University of Macedonia and implemented by a consortium of 16 partners, the project trained higher education students to become language mentors for secondary school pupils. Through the pilot activities, mentors and mentees strengthened language-learning skills while fostering intercultural cooperation, confidence, time management and a sense of responsibility.

As the project concludes, its key deliverables are now available to support the wider adoption of the Language Buddy approach:

• Pilot Summary Report: presents the findings of the pilot implementation and identifies lessons learned to inform future practice.
• Language Buddy Model V2.0: builds on the pilot evaluation to provide an improved framework for implementing mentoring-based language learning.
• Policy Recommendations: offers guidance for policymakers, educational institutions and relevant stakeholders on embedding and sustaining the Language Buddy model in inclusive education systems.

These resources, alongside other project outputs, can be accessed through the Language Buddy Results page. The page also links to the Language Buddy dashboard, where visitors can explore data and insights from the pilot implementation.

The project’s completion marks an important step towards strengthening cooperation between universities, schools and community organisations, while expanding non-formal language-learning opportunities for young people with migrant and refugee backgrounds.

Interested in the Language Buddy model or exploring opportunities for further engagement? Visit www.languagebuddy.eu or contact us to learn more and discuss future cooperation.

The Language Buddy Project is co-funded by the European Union under the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF).