Growing up in Afghanistan, I was personally affected by educational policies that changed the course of my education. I was barred from attending high school in Grade 10, but through self-studying English, I was able to enroll in and graduate from an online high school that provided me with a high-quality education. This later led to several university acceptances from top universities.
Through this experience, I realized the power of language and how English can open doors to opportunities that would otherwise be inaccessible. I also realized that what English had opened for me could open doors for other conflict-affected youth facing similar barriers.
I locally recognized the need for such an innovation through students' enthusiasm for education that is not available to them. I hope this innovation can help them gain access back to the human right they need.
Our classes connect students with volunteer English teachers based on their needs and level of English. Students and volunteers are matched into classes. Students’ English levels are assessed so that they can begin at the appropriate level and gradually advance as they make progress. Adaptive learning is also used to listen to students’ needs and interests, including activities that students recommend, such as speaking practice, group practice, and other activities that help them improve their English.
Classes are held virtually through Google Meet, making it possible for students and volunteer teachers to connect regardless of their location. Students and teachers also communicate through Google Classroom, where students receive assignments, access learning materials, and stay informed about general class updates and announcements.
This innovation is currently running English classes for Afghan girls. We have already launched our pilot cohort, and students are now in their second month of classes. At the same time, we are working to expand the initiative by building a network of chapter founders who can bring the program to students in other countries.
As we grow beyond our pilot in Afghanistan, we are also building an international team to support the expansion of the initiative. Our global team currently represents three countries; Afghanistan, Singapore, and the United States, and continues to grow. In the future, we hope to establish new chapters in conflict-affected regions where students face significant barriers to education, including Palestine, Sudan, and Syria. Through these chapters, we aim to reach more students, and create opportunities for them to learn English that will eventually help them access the educational and professional opportunities that English can create.
If you want to get involved in our work, you can apply for roles such as English teacher, social media manager, content creator, or chapter founder. We welcome people who are willing to contribute their time and skills to expanding access to English education.
For English teachers, we look for patient and empathetic people who are good listeners and have a native or near-native level of English. Teachers should also be able to work with students at different levels and adapt to their learning needs.
For other roles, we look for people who are dedicated, responsible, and have relevant experience or skills for the position. For example, social media and content roles require experience in creating or managing digital content, while chapter founders should be able to take initiative, organize people, and help build the initiative in their community.
To apply, simply submit our application form, which is available through our social media platforms. You can also contact us directly, and we will provide you with the form. After reviewing your application, our team will get back to you with the next steps.
