Since its inception, the program has supported more than 300 children originating from 50 different countries over half-year mentoring cycles.
How the Accompagna Student Mentoring Program Operates
Under the initiative, university students shadow and guide participating children for roughly six months, typically covering 24 individual lessons per cycle. The current program iteration features 15 active student-pupil tandems. Co-project lead Julia Ha notes that while participants arrive with vastly different personal backgrounds, they share an immediate need for structured orientation and a sense of security in their new educational environment. Mentors coordinate closely with classroom teachers to identify specific academic hurdles, track upcoming examinations, and address gaps in vocabulary or presentation preparation.
Strengths-Based Approach to Language and Academics
Rather than focusing exclusively on language deficits, mentors build instruction around existing student strengths in mathematics, English, sports, or music. Ha emphasizes that reducing newly arrived children solely to what they cannot yet do creates frustration. By leaning into established competencies, students build the confidence necessary to tackle broader academic subjects, homework organization, and study habits. Daniela Imhof, a secondary education student mentor, explains that the experience taught her to step back and allow her pupil sufficient time to find answers independently rather than supplying words too quickly.
Project Longevity and Future Development
Celebrating its tenth anniversary on September 9, PHSG hosted a future-focused café where participants gathered ideas for expanding and refining the mentoring framework. Former participants point to long-term benefits in mastering Swiss-German dialects, handling complex assignments, and preparing for examinations. One program alumna, who entered the project at age 13 and received targeted preparation support, currently works as a dental secretary.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who organizes the Accompagna project?
- How long does a typical mentoring partnership last? Each student-pupil tandem generally collaborates for a half-year cycle comprising approximately 24 lessons.
- What is the primary focus of the mentoring sessions? Mentors assist with schoolwork, language acquisition, homework routines, study organization, and exam preparation while centering their work on the child’s existing strengths.