The intercultural mentors, who are students, go to ‘their’ class once a week, learn with the children, are a point of contact for them and motivate the pupils to learn through individualised support. Above all, the mentors are role models, as they share similar experiences with the mentees that they themselves have had through migration/refuge. The mentors’ activities are continuously evaluated, the mentors prepare reports and personal reflections, and monthly team meetings are organised.

The project was launched in 2010 by Susanne Binder from the University of Vienna as a grassroots initiative. Since then, the project has received several prizes and awards, including the Ministry’s Sustainability Award in 2016.

The initial focus of the project was on pupils, teachers and parents. However, the impact on mentors became more and more evident during the project lifespan: enhancement of self-esteem through valuing the experiences of migration, practical experience in working with children and young people, learning from pedagogical experts and practitioners, and occupational orientation.