During our recent trip to Ethiopia, our Global Travelers discovered a service opportunity that’s a perfect fit for our virtual club. Thanks to member Debbie Kornhauser and her friend Tom (who teaches in Arbu Minch, Ethiopia), we had the opportunity to spend a delightful evening with English language students from the university. We learned about their hopes and dreams and about their country. They got to practice their English with native speakers. A definite win-win.
During that evening, we decided it would be “beneficial to all concerned” to provide more opportunities for conversation using technology. These students are at a stage in their language learning where conversation with native speakers will take them to the next level. They don’t need grammar lessons; they just need to listen and talk. And they are such interesting and passionate young people, with big goals!
During late April and early May, a handful of Global Travelers will launch a pilot program. Each of our participants will be paired with a student and will meet online (Whatsapp video, Facebook live, or Facetime) for 30 minutes of conversation. They’ll meet 4 times before the Ethiopian academic year ends at the end of May. Their experience will help us build an ongoing program with recommended technology tools and format to begin in October when their academic year resumes.
We think this is a great opportunity for our members to make a difference in the lives of young people while gaining international understanding. Sometime this summer, we’ll post a form for you to apply to be an English Express mentor. We estimate the commitment will be flexible, but ideally two 30-minute sessions per month. Given the students’ rigorous schedule and the time difference, the best time will probably be Saturday or Sunday morning (US time).
Stay tuned for more information about this exciting virtual service opportunity.
