In these unprecedented times of physically distancing ourselves from others, we know that virtual connections are more important than ever. As a virtual program at its core, we wanted to share updates in the hopes that we can continue to support students this semester
Our primary goal at NaTakallam is to support our conversation partners (CPs), who are all displaced people and refugees, with income-generating opportunities. This has not changed. Forced displacement is not stopping due to the current pandemic and displaced people are among the populations most at risk at this time.
We’d love to continue to provide our CPs with work while offering opportunities for teachers, students, and parents to engage with the world in productive, meaningful, and healthy ways, such as:
- Fully-virtual classroom sessions: For schools that are already transitioning to a virtual learning model with videoconferencing, please consider holding NaTakallam sessions with your students each connecting in from their homes. Students will engage in a live virtual conversation with a displaced person, learning about global issues, migration, and/or language learning (Arabic, Spanish, or French)
- Pre-recorded videos: If a live video conference is not an option for you and your students, we can explore a pre-recorded video option. You can have students write and send in questions to your CP and the CP can record a video with answers. We will then upload the video to a private link and share it with partners.
- 1-1 or small group sessions for students: If fully-virtual classroom sessions aren’t feasible, we can also offer 1-1 or small group sessions for high school students. These sessions could be a great way for them to continue and enrich their language learning while at home. We are also working to make scholarship funds available for this option (for Arabic only at this time). Teachers or parents can get started with any of the above by filling out our easy online sign-up form.
- Spread the word about language learning with NaTakallam: If you or any of your friends or family members have ever been interested in learning or practicing Arabic, French, Persian, or Spanish, now is a great time for virtual conversations. 1-1 sessions start at just $15/hour and you can sign up on our website. You can also offer sessions as a gift to a loved one, to take advantage of from the comfort of their home!
We thank our community members like Hannah & NaTakallam team for using their services to offer support and resources in this time of need. For more articles, innovations & resources, head to our Educator Toolkit especially designed to support educators & parents during this COVID-19 outbreak.
