Programme coordinators are responsible for embedding these principles structurally into the mentoring programme.

Coordinator Checklist

Recruitment & Matching

• Engage mentors and mentees from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
• Consider sport preferences, gender norms, and accessibility needs when matching pairs.
• Offer mentees the option to indicate cultural or language preferences for mentors.

Training & Orientation

• Include intercultural communication, unconscious bias, and cultural sensitivity modules in mentor training.
• Provide mentors with practical sport-related inclusion tips (e.g., gender-segregated sessions, modest clothing options, adapted activities).
• Train mentors on how to handle cultural misunderstandings respectfully.

Mentors are relationship facilitators and allies, putting these principles into practice in their one-to-one interactions.

Do’s and Don’ts for Mentors

DO:

• Be reliable and keep your promises.
• Build rapport by sharing something about yourself.
• Look for shared interests and values.
• Ask respectful questions about preferences.
• Adapt your style to the mentee’s context.
• Address misunderstandings gently.
• Use sport and physical activity to lower barriers.

DON’T:

• Assume your cultural norms are universal.
• Ignore discomfort or differences.
• Stereotype based on background.

Mentees are active participants in their own development. Applying the key principles means communicating openly and taking part in activities that build trust and inclusion.

Mentee Self-Check

• Am I sharing my goals and needs openly with my mentor?
• Do I express when something doesn’t work for me?
• Have I shared cultural or personal preferences that affect our meetings or activities?