What is a Mentoring Scheme?
A mentoring scheme brings two people together to practise conversation in Welsh beyond the classroom or formal lessons. In short and regular meetings, a more experienced Welsh speaker can help someone who is learning to practise and increase confidence. Informal conversations can bring lessons to life and give an opportunity to practice discussing different topics, sharing experiences and opinions.
What is the role of the mentor?
To be a friend to the learner, to make them more comfortable using Welsh. They will chat about various topics, usually beyond work, to focus on the informal. The mentor is not expected to correct language or grammar, just create an opportunity for conversation.
How does it work?
Mentors volunteer their time to chat with the learners. The two should agree on how often, and for how long to meet. Meetings can take place in person or online but should be regular to ensure consistent opportunities for practice.
As an organisation, you will need to have an idea of your staff's language skills to know who will be suitable to take part in the scheme.
It would be a good idea to provide guidance to support your mentors, to ensure everyone is clear about the expectations of the role, and how it works around their current positions. You could create a forum or place where mentors can also discuss and share their experiences of the role.
What are the benefits?
It can be difficult to change already established habits in the language you used when talking to someone. If someone is familiar with speaking English with a learner, it can be difficult to switch to speaking Welsh so a mentoring scheme provides a structure to help change language habits.
Benefits for the learner
- Be able to practise Welsh language skills with a supportive and friendly mentor
- The opportunity to speak Welsh regularly in the workplace in an informal atmosphere
- Build a relationship with a colleague from another team or department within the organisation, strengthening a sense of team within the organisation
- Reinforce what is learned in the lessons and give a taste of real conversation
Benefits for the mentor
- Gain satisfaction from supporting learners to develop their skills
- The chance to use their Welsh language skills in an informal context
- Contributing to the organisation's bilingual ethos by supporting the development of colleagues' Welsh language skills
- Contribute to the organisation, which may be advantageous when applying for jobs
- Build a relationship with a colleague from other teams or departments within the organisation, strengthening a sense of team within the organisation
Benefits for the organisation
- To increase the organisation's bilingual ethos by creating regular small forums for staff to practise their Welsh skills (mentors and learners)
- Reinforcing the Welsh language learning programme by ensuring learners practise their skills between lessons
- Building networks among staff
According to research, learners following a mentoring scheme are 45% more likely to become fluent and 87% more likely to use Welsh in the workplace at some level.
Setting up a mentoring scheme could be a great way to support and encourage staff to use the Welsh language as well as promoting teambuilding within the organisation.