Training of interpreters
METAdrasi, in order to tackle the lack of interpretation services, has been engaged since 2010, and on the basis of its own resources, in the training of interpreters, through the creation of an integrated package and of training certification of interpreters, and the organization of training seminars, aiming at the creation of a “pool” of trained interpreters in different fields.
In concrete, METAdrasi follows an integrated curriculum, which aims at the best possible preparation of participants for the provision of interpretation in the field of asylum, as well as in other fields where respective needs arise. During the year, specialized courses are organized on a regular basis in order for interpreters to improve their skills.
Year(s): 2010-2017
Target group(s): Migrants in Greece
Website: http://metadrasi.org/en/campaigns/training-of-interpreters/
Methodology
The Interpreters’ Training Seminar consists of a ten day training, taking place at the Organization’s premises, followed by written and oral exams, with the aim being the achievement of METAdrasi’s certificate of proficiency for the provision of interpretation services and the subsequent integration at the Organizations’ Registry of Interpreters.
The interpreter’s certificate of proficiency is valid for one year. After its expiration, the interpreter is re-assessed as regards the level of services provided in relation to the training he/she has received and the level of improvement as concerns recorded weaknesses.
METAdrasi has adopted a system of supervision and evaluation of interpreters and has drafted a “Code of Ethics”, which is binding for its partners.
The first Interpreters’ Training seminar took place in March 2010. Seminars are intensive and last for 10-15 days (training and certification). Up to this date, 28 seminars have been completed, one of which in English in order to cover languages, in which there are no persons speaking the Greek language at a satisfactory level, e.g. Somali. Participants in the interpreters’ training seminars are primarily persons from the population of concern; asylum seekers, refugees, immigrants, as well as Greek citizens, residing in or outside Attica. In the framework of the Seminars that have already taken place, 513 persons have participated in total.
Type of product
Training Seminars
Brief description of the product / outcome / method
Seminars so far focus at the specialization of interpreters in asylum and medical issues. The expansion of training for the provision of interpretation services at municipalities, courts, prisons, schools and other sectors with serious problems of language communication is being planned. For this reason, the Organization is elaborating new educational packages for the specialization of interpreters in the respective fields.
Impact on target groups / Transferability potential
The success rate per seminar ranges between 40-55% and till the end of June 2014 more than 276 persons have obtained the certificate of proficiency in 30 languages and dialects: Albanian, Amharic, Arabic, Bengali, Berber, Dari, English, Farsi, French (French- Creole), Georgian, Hindi, Kurmanji (Kurdish), Lingala, Mandarin, Moldovan, Pashto, Portuguese, Pothwari, Punjabi, Russian, Sinhala, Somali, Sorani (Kurdish), Spanish, Swahili, Tamil, Tigrinya, Turkish, Ukranian and Urdu.
Promoter of the initiative
Name of organization / individual: METAdrasi – Action for Migration and Development
Country: Greece
Website: http://metadrasi.org/en/home/
Contacts: info@metadrasi.org