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28 May 2023

Foyer vzw works with intercultural mediators in a number of different contexts. In the coming weeks, we will take a closer look at some aspects of mediation at Foyer. 

Today we talk to Jie, intercultural mediator in care and welfare for Mandarin- and Cantonese-speaking caregivers. We ask her the question, “What do you need as an intercultural mediator? What materials do you take with you?” 

“When I leave to mediate, the first thing I take with me is my call form. This is a form prepared by the administrative staff member of our service when a call comes in. It states the date, place and language of the mediation, the details of the care professional who made the request and, if necessary, the name or code of the patient or client. After the mediation, the care professional signs the form and I make a brief content report. I also take my diary with me for when follow-up appointments need to be made. 

Of course, I also need a notebook and a pen to take notes while translating. Especially in a medical context, it is very important that everything is translated correctly and that no information is lost. We take notes in the form of abbreviations and symbols and, in my case, I also use a lot of Chinese characters. 

Fortunately, it is now no longer necessary to wear mouth masks everywhere in care facilities. Nevertheless, I always carry mouth masks with me – some patients are particularly vulnerable, for example the severely ill or those receiving chemotherapy. In such cases, I will still use a mouth mask.” 

But just as important as the physical equipment you bring with you as a mediator are the right competences and the attitude you adopt. We will talk about that in our next conversation.

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