Consider Giving a Gift of Time to a Ukrainian

Many Ukrainians studied English in school but have had little opportunity to practice their learning.  That’s where the program Engin comes in. Engin matches English speakers with Ukrainians for video chat conversations.

Engin, now five years old, is a non-profit founded by a Ukrainian woman living in the US. It now has over 55,000 Ukrainians and volunteers sharing weekly conversations.   The development of English language skills can open doors to academic and professional opportunities or just help an individual get the language from the text book to the tongue!

Based on a short survey of your interests, hobbies, availability and any preferences you may have such as for a beginner or an experienced speaker of English you could then be matched with anyone from a high school student to a mayor.  You will be invited to an online orientation and receive an email with a brief description of your conversation buddy. Then you are ready to give your gift of time! That time is a weekly online meeting but negotiable from 30 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes.

There are many resources available for volunteers through the website (https://www.enginprogram.org/) including lesson plans and tips. And, if you are interested in learning the Ukrainian language there are professional teachers ready to help with that as well.

I have been a conversation buddy now for over a year and am glad to answer any questions you may have on this great program! 

Get in touch with me at yd.wordsmith@gmail.com