At NaTakallam, we understand that the most profound learning experiences often come from connecting with people whose lives are shaped by different circumstances. That’s why we offer dynamic, tailored programs for primary and secondary schools designed not just to teach, but to inspire empathy, understanding, and a sense of global responsibility.

Fully-Funded Sessions: Making This Opportunity Accessible

We believe that these powerful learning experiences should be available to all students, no matter their school’s budget. That’s why, in partnership with Qatar Foundation International (QFI), we are able to offer fully-funded sessions for educators worldwide. With up to $1,000 in scholarships available, these sessions allow schools to bring in guest speakers, explore Arabic language and culture, and learn about the refugee experiences from Syria, Palestine, and Iraq — at no cost to the school.

These fully-funded opportunities make it easier for schools to incorporate real stories into their curricula and give students the chance to engage with global issues in a way that is authentic, meaningful, and transformative.

Learning Beyond the Classroom: The Power of Refugee Voices

In classrooms around the world, students learn about history, geography, and global events, but what if they could hear from the people who have lived those experiences? Through NaTakallam’s Refugee Voices initiative, students don’t just learn about the refugee crisis — they hear from refugees themselves.

Take the story of Mona, a Syrian refugee who now teaches Arabic through our programs. When she speaks to students, she doesn’t just talk about the facts of displacement; she shares her personal journey. “NaTakallam is really a bridge for so many people and cultures to communicate with us, to feel curious about all these colors. It potentially changes the image of Syrians in Lebanon, or at least gives a different image. The war is still there, but there’s a process of dehumanizing people. When you show another aspect, people start to relate, to think, ‘Oh, they’re human like us.’ We all face questions like, ‘Do you listen to music in Syria?’ or ‘Do you have internet there?’—valid questions that highlight the gap we live in between ourselves and the world,” says Mona.

By sharing stories like Mona’s, students are given a glimpse into the realities of the refugee experience — stories that textbooks alone can’t convey. These stories transform abstract concepts into real-life experiences, making the challenges faced by refugees tangible and human.

Curriculum Enhancement: Bringing the World to the Classroom

Our academic programs support subjects like social studies, language arts, and history, but they also go deeper. We encourage students to think critically about the world around them and their role in it. By connecting students with the voices of refugees, we foster empathy, global awareness, and an understanding of the importance of social justice and inclusion.

Imagine a classroom where students engage with a guest speaker from Palestine who shares what it means to grow up in a refugee camp, or where they have a conversation in Russian with a refugee from Ukraine, learning not only the language but also about the culture and history behind it. These programs help shape students into global citizens who are not just informed but motivated to make a difference.

Language Practice: Conversations that Connect

At NaTakallam, we offer personalized language lessons in Arabic, Armenian, English, French, Kurdish, Persian, Russian, Spanish, and Ukrainian, designed specifically for primary and secondary school students. These lessons are about more than just grammar and vocabulary; they are about connecting with people. Our lessons allow students to practice their language skills in meaningful conversations with native speakers, creating an immersive experience that deepens both their linguistic and cultural understanding.

For example, Shahd, a Palestinian refugee, leads virtual language sessions for students, teaching them not just to speak Arabic but to understand its significance in the context of her life. “NaTakallam has been more than just a job; it has been a truly supportive outlet that helped me navigate some of the hardships I faced in Gaza. To me, NaTakallam is not just work; it is a community. It is my virtual home.”

Through these conversations, students not only learn a new language but gain insights into the lives of those who speak it. This is the kind of learning that textbooks can’t replicate.

Get Involved: Bring NaTakallam’s Programs to Your School

If you’re an educator interested in bringing these impactful programs to your students, we invite you to take action today. Booking a guest speaker session or exploring our tailored language programs is easy. Simply visit our website to fill out the interest form or email us directly at academics@mail-natakallam.com.

By bringing NaTakallam’s programs to your classroom, you’re offering your students more than just a lesson — you’re giving them the chance to hear from real people, engage with real stories, and develop a deeper understanding of the world around them. These conversations can inspire empathy, change perspectives, and shape a generation of global citizens who are ready to make a difference.

Let’s work together to give students the tools they need to become informed, compassionate, and empowered to act.