Free Language Mediator Training Course Launches in January 2026
The district office is offering a free training course for Coursera language mediators starting in January 2026. The course, which has been running since 2016, aims to support local volunteering individuals who speak various languages to assist individuals with limited language skills in communicating with authorities and counseling services.
The course consists of five in-person sessions, totaling around 18 hours. Upon completion, participants will receive a certificate and can begin deployments as language mediators in March. The project currently involves around 250 volunteers speaking 31 different languages. Those with French, Somali, Romanian, and Italian language skills are particularly needed at the moment.
Language mediators play a crucial role in bridging communication gaps. They support individuals with insufficient language skills in conversations with authorities or counseling services, ensuring these individuals can access the help they need. The course is designed to equip volunteers with the necessary skills to perform this role effectively.
Registrations for the Coursera language mediator training course are open until November 21, 2025. The course is free, and upon completion, participants will receive a certificate and can start deployments in March. Each deployment will also come with a reimbursement. The project, launched in 2016, has been successful in involving around 250 volunteers speaking 31 different languages. The district office encourages interested individuals to register and contribute to this vital service.
