Multi Kulti Collective and UNWE are looking for 50 migrant/refugee children aged 12-17 from across Bulgaria to receive Bulgarian language support. Children will meet weekly, either in person or online, with specially trained university students who have completed a 40-hour course at UNWE, as part of mentor pairs. Our goal is for every child to feel confident, supported, and comfortable at school. Participation is completely free of charge. The initiative is part of the project Language Buddy, funded by the European Union.
What are mentor pairs?
The Language Buddy project is based on forming mentor pairs between one migrant or refugee child (aged 12–17) and one Bulgarian university student. This ensures that each child receives individual attention and support. In exceptional cases, small groups may be formed (3-4 students with 1 university mentor).
Profile of the children:
- Children with a refugee or migrant background
- Aged 12–17
- Enrolled in a Bulgarian school
- Living anywhere in Bulgaria
- Strong interest in individual Bulgarian language support
- Signed parental consent form
Profile of the university students:
- Students in pedagogy, international relations, sociology, and other relevant fields
- Completed an in-depth 40-hour course at UNWE
- Passed interviews and assessment for working with children
- Motivated to support young learners
Role of Multi Kulti Collective and UNWE:
- Project coordinators Support for all participants – safety, learning process, coordination
- Weekly supervision meetings with university students
- Mentor pairs may be changed if necessary
- Available in case of difficulties or concerns
Benefits of the mentor pairs:
- Practicing Bulgarian – children improve their language skills
- Improved school performance – language support in Bulgarian
- Targeted support – help tailored to each child’s specific needs
- More confident classroom participation – feeling comfortable speaking and asking questions
- Better understanding of school material – support for tests and exams (including national assessments, where applicable)
- Improved communication with teachers and classmates – easier social integration
- Stronger integration – building bridges between migrant families and the host society
What the project is NOT:
- It is not an official school programme
- It does not replace school
- It does not issue a language proficiency certificate
Where do meetings take place?
- In person – at UNWE (Sofia), at partner NGOs, libraries, or other public spaces
- Online – via Google Meet or another secure platform
Is there a fee?
- No, participation in the project is completely free of charge.
Commitments of the child and parents:
- Ensuring regular attendance
- Informing coordinators in case of absence
- Providing a device and internet connection (for online sessions)
Child protection policy:
- The organisers have adopted a child protection policy in line with national legislation
- Meetings take place in public spaces (UNWE in Sofia, partner NGOs, libraries, etc.)
- There are no individual meetings in private homes
- Online sessions are conducted via Google Meet or another secure platform that ensures data protection
- The project complies with GDPR and high ethical standards.
Timeline:
- Mentor meetings take place 1-2 times per week, lasting 60-90 minutes.
Implementation period:
- March – May 2026.
How to apply?
- Please fill in the following form – https://forms.gle/MASrxFLwB7ZDm2td9
- Apply by 10 March 2026 or as soon as possible, as places are limited!
- After submitting the form, we will arrange a short conversation with the parent and the child to assess needs and Bulgarian language level.
Questions?
- Email us at: info@multikulti.bg
- For urgent matters, call: +359 89 823 9850 (Bulgarian and English)
Additional information:
The Language Buddy project is a European initiative aiming to support migrant and refugee children aged 12–17 by connecting them with trained Bulgarian university students in pedagogy, sociology, and related fields. The goal is to improve children’s Bulgarian language skills while fostering mutual integration. The project is implemented using the same methodology in eight European countries: Bulgaria, Romania, Greece, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Malta, and Austria. The project is co-funded by the EU Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF).
