Language Partners

Help Refugees Through Language: Why Supporting NaTakallam Makes A Difference

Arabic, Language Partners, NaTakallam Programs, Social Impact / Zeina Abou Taha

Reading Time: 5 minutes

In Los Angeles, demonstrators have taken to the streets – chanting, painting murals, raising their voices in protest of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids ripping families apart. Activists are blocking intersections, holding vigils, painting banners that read: No human being is illegal.

Hard-working people who once sought refuge and stability in the United States are now being deported – along with their stories, languages, and communities.

Meanwhile, in a quiet apartment somewhere else in L.A., a student logs on to Zoom for an Arabic session with NaTakallam.

They think they’ve signed up for a language class. What they find is something much deeper: a living connection to displacement and survival, to Palestine, to Afghanistan, to Iran, to Venezuela – to the stories behind the headlines. Their tutor? A refugee who has lost a homeland, but never their voice.

Learn more about our urgent crowdfunding campaign to support displaced language workers.

This is where protest meets purpose. Where conversation becomes solidarity. And where your support becomes essential.

Why We’re Asking for Your Help – Now

NaTakallam is facing a serious, unexpected funding gap. Grants that sustained us have disappeared. Partners whose programs brought revenue have lost their own funding. Demand is growing – but our resources aren’t.

We’ve always run lean and stretched every dollar.

But today, we’re at risk of having to scale back – just as crises multiply and demand for our work grows.

Without urgent support, we face the unimaginable: cutting back on opportunities at the very moment they are most needed.

Let’s be clear – this isn’t just about us. This is about whether we let bureaucracies and borders continue to dictate who is seen, who is heard, and who gets to work. And we’re turning to you – our global community – to keep this work alive.

Here’s how we’re responding – and why your help is critical right now.

What We Do – and Why It Matters

At NaTakallam (Arabic for “we speak”), we believe that language is more than grammar and vocabulary. It’s a livelihood. It’s dignity. It’s human connection in a world of forced separation.

We connect displaced people – refugees, asylum seekers, individuals in conflict zones – with paid, remote work as online language tutors, translators, and cultural exchange partners.

To date, we’ve hired over 850 displaced individuals, and reached 37,000+ learners in 110+ countries. But more than numbers, this is about names and faces. Lives transformed. Borders bridged.

Meet the Language Partners

Globally, over 120 million people are forcibly displaced. But that number tells you nothing about who they are. Meet some of our Language Partners.

Marianela, displaced from Venezuela, calls NaTakallam her “financial and social salvation” after months of being offered only cleaning jobs in Costa Rica.

Shahd, a student from Gaza, evacuated from Gaza in 2024 thanks in part to the fundraising efforts of her NaTakallam students – and is now rebuilding her life as a university student in the U.S., where she is pursuing a joint major in Human Rights and Written Arts.

Abir, displaced in 2024 due to conflict in Lebanon, she was able to continue teaching Arabic with NaTakallam throughout her displacement.
“Four years ago, NaTakallam provided me with the opportunity to work from home while raising my two young children. This arrangement proved invaluable, particularly during the economic challenges in Lebanon, as it also provided me with additional income during the pandemic.”

What You Can Do

This is why your donation isn’t just helpful. It’s urgent.

You don’t need to be on the frontlines to make a difference. If you’ve ever wondered how to support refugees or take action that’s more than symbolic, here’s how:

1. Donate to our emergency campaign.

Help us bridge the gap and keep language partners teaching, learning, and earning. Your support provides immediate, meaningful income.

2. Book a language session.

Support a displaced tutor while learning Arabic, Spanish, Persian, French and more. It’s activism through connection.
➡️ Book now!

3. Share This Article.

Spread the word. Tag us on Instagram or LinkedIn. The more people know, the more impact we can create together.

Your support:

Is what allows a Palestinian tutor in Egypt to keep teaching while bombs fall in his home in Gaza.
Is what allows a Venezuelan mother to feed her kids in Buenos Aires.
Is what allows a student in Los Angeles to show up to a language session and leave with a global awakening.

If you’ve ever felt helpless in the face of global crises – this is your moment to act.

Donate now – because language is a lifeline, and every voice deserves to be heard.

Thank you for standing with us.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Zeina Abou Taha is an intern at NaTakallam, currently transitioning from a career in IT consulting to journalism. With an academic background in entrepreneurship and innovation, and a passion for exploring the world, Zeina spends her free time traveling, connecting with people from diverse cultures, and writing for her personal blog.

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The Language of Survival: Ani’s Story of Culture, Connection, and Coming Home

Arabic, Armenian, Goodbyes, Language Partners, Languages, NaTakallam Programs, Women / Zeina Abou Taha

Reading Time: 6 minutes

Anahid — or Ani, as she likes to be called — is a Lebanese-Armenian Language Partner at NaTakallam, teaching Armenian to students all over the world. Seeking refuge has shaped her family history, starting with her grandparents, who fled the Armenian Genocide in 1915 and rebuilt their lives in Lebanon, where Ani herself was born and raised.

In 2020, facing growing instability in Lebanon, Ani decided to return to Armenia — her ancestral homeland. What started as a temporary trip turned into a new beginning, one that eventually brought her to NaTakallam. Today, we’re sharing Ani’s story of resilience and re-start — and how language and culture have enabled her to preserve the essence of Armenia long before she could call it home again.

"Language is at the core of any culture. It plays a great role in preserving the identity – influencing music, poetry, literature and all of the arts. Language is the main tool that struggles against assimilation.” - Anahid Dakessian

An Armenian Story of Resilience

Anahid’s name carries meaning: inspired by the Armenian goddess of fertility, healing, and wisdom. Born and raised in Beirut, Lebanon, those qualities — healing and rebirth — were deeply woven into the Armenian community around her. A community that had survived genocide and was committed to preserving a culture that had almost been erased.

They appeared in the smallest, everyday things. Her grandparents, originally from Adana (modern-day Turkey), only spoke Armenian to their children — even if someone in the community spoke in Turkish, their reply would always be in Armenian. Her parents, both born in Lebanon, learned the language of their hosts but never strayed from speaking Armenian at home.

Ani grew up in this tight-knit world: Armenian schools, churches, theaters, scouting associations, charity and healthcare centers — all within Lebanon. In the early 1930s, Armenians in Lebanon had began building Armenian institutions and organize a community life. Armenian became the main language of expression in schools. Turkish and Kurdish were banned from homes.

“It was amazing to witness that we had the freedom of religious expression and could maintain our culture, far away from home,” she recalls.

Despite Lebanon being her birthplace, Ani always considered Armenia her sacred homeland — a feeling shared by many Armenians born in the diaspora. Language, for her, was more than just communication; it was survival. Whenever new words entered global vocabulary, especially around technology, the Armenian community would always seek the proper Armenian term rather than mixing in English or French, as is common in Lebanon.

Eventually, Ani made it her mission to teach her language at an Armenian school in Beirut, instilling in a new generation of a community that makes up 4% of Lebanon’s population the significance and importance in honoring their identity. Her job as a teacher even gave her the chance to visit Armenia on school trips with her students, deepening her sense of connection to the homeland she loved.

Returning Home and Finding NaTakallam

“It was only supposed to be a 15-day trip to Armenia for summer, to visit my two sons who were studying at Yerevan’s Conservatory,” Ani remembers.

But 2020 had different plans. Lebanon’s worsening economic crisis and the devastating Beirut port explosion destroyed the lives and futures of many — Ani’s included. What began as a short visit turned into a permanent move.

For Ani the decision to start over wasn’t easy, but it was necessary. At first, she continued teaching remotely at her school in Lebanon, like many educators during the pandemic. With time, she started teaching at a local Armenian school. Her new job offered her both stability and purpose, though it also came with new challenges. For the first time, she was fully immersed in Eastern Armenian — the dialect spoken in Armenia — rather than the Western Armenian she had grown up with in Lebanon.

Even though she was fluent in both dialects, she grew up with the Western Armenian dialect – living and speaking Eastern Armenian daily was something new. “Conjugation is different from Western Armenian, but the root is the same: for example, Armenians in Lebanon say geh seerem (I love), while in Armenia people say seeroom em. It’s basically like the difference between Egyptian and Lebanese Arabic,” she explains.

Discover The Nuance of Eastern & Western Armenian Dialects with a NaTakallam Language Partner.

She also noticed how the Armenian spoken in Armenia often borrowed Russian words, reflecting the country’s Soviet past — another cultural layer to adapt to. But despite the challenges, Ani felt at peace. And after her first year, she had fully embraced her new life. She felt like she had reached home.

This is also when NaTakallam entered the picture.

“Online teaching had become more normal during COVID, and I was intrigued by the chance to continue pursuing my dream job, teaching, with new tools,” she says.

For the first time, she found herself teaching Armenian to non-Armenians from all over the world, as well as helping members of the diaspora reconnect with their heritage. One of her most touching memories is of a 70-year-old Armenian-American woman who, after a lifetime of not speaking the language, wanted to finally learn and reconnect with her roots — with Ani’s help.

Through NaTakallam, Ani realized the beauty of making Armenian accessible to anyone, anywhere.

And to anyone interested in learning, she always offers the same advice: “No better way to experience the language and culture than to visit Armenia.”

Home is Where Your Family Is

When asked if she would ever return to Lebanon — the place where she grew up, spent most of her life, and still has friends and connections — Ani’s answer is clear.

“You know, I will always love visiting Lebanon, and I do it regularly. But to me, the feeling of home is very simple: home is where I live, where the people I love are.”

She shares an Armenian reference to explain what she means: in Armenian, Danik means “roof” or shelter, while Endanik means “family.” The words sound almost the same — because, to Ani, family is the roof over your head. It’s what makes a place feel like home.

For the past five years, she and her husband have lived in Yerevan, close to one of their sons who is now married and settled there. Her younger son lives in London, and Ani hopes that one day, they will all be reunited under the same “roof.”

A woman of culture, resilience, and reinvention — Ani embodies the Armenian spirit. Like the nation she belongs to, she stands tall in the face of hardship, always holding onto her roots and her identity.

And it’s no surprise that a common Armenian saying is: “Our spirit is unbreakable and our will is unwavering.”

Want to immerse yourself in Armenian culture and language from native speakers like Anahid? Book a session with one of NaTakallam’s expert tutors and connect with a community that brings language and culture to life.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Zeina Abou Taha is an intern at NaTakallam, currently transitioning from a career in IT consulting into journalism. With an academic background in Entrepreneurship & Innovation and a passion about exploring the world, Zeina spends her free time traveling, connecting with people from diverse cultures, and writing for her personal blog.

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Breaking Through Media Bias: The Truth About Refugees and Deportation

Arabic, Armenian, English, French, Kurdish, Language Partners, Persian, Russian, Social Impact, Spanish, Ukrainian / Zeina Abou Taha

Reading Time: 5 minutes

“We are facing the biggest global migration crisis of our time, and the current global resettlement and humanitarian systems are broken.”

These words from Aline Sara, CEO and co-founder of NaTakallam, reflect a troubling truth. In just over a decade, the global refugee population has tripled. Today, 1 in every 69 people worldwide is forcibly displaced.

But becoming a refugee is not a choice. It’s a last resort.

Leaving your home, your family, your memories behind – often with little more than a bag and a name – is never an easy decision. Yet, refugees are often reduced to numbers and treated as liabilities, stripped of their stories and humanity.

At NaTakallam, we believe in telling a different story. One that centers dignity, potential, and shared humanity.

This article addresses two prevalent media biases and offers facts, context, and lived experiences to challenge these misconceptions. Because shifting the narrative doesn’t just help refugees – it helps build stronger, more empathetic societies for all.

Media Bias #1: “Refugees are a burden to society.”

What we say: Refugees and displaced individuals are not only human beings worthy of dignity and respect, but also active contributors to our societies – bringing skills, knowledge, languages, and cultures that enrich our communities.

Too often, media and political discourse dehumanize refugees, portraying them as threats or burdens. But research shows that the real problem is perception, not reality.

Between 2005-2019 alone, refugees in the U.S. have contributed more in taxes than they received in public assistance – amounting to a net fiscal benefit of over $120 billion.

Yet more than half of the 36.4 million refugees registered by UNHCR in 2023 live in countries that restrict access to legal work. This is a missed opportunity, especially at a time when labor shortages are hitting many economies hard.

Mainstream media often fails to highlight refugees’ positive impact or amplify their voices – instead, it reinforces dominant narratives rooted in fear and misinformation. For instance, a study by Columbia University analyzing refugee-related media coverage found a strong focus on perceived threats, whether to cultural identity or national security.

This skewed portrayal drives division and populism: In fact, the strongest support for anti-immigration policies in countries like the USA and across Europe often comes from areas with the least contact with refugees. The less we know, the easier it is to dehumanize.

But understanding starts on a personal level. Refugees aren’t a monolith. They’re educators, builders, parents, students, and dreamers. And most of them never wanted to leave in the first place. A study highlighted by The Jordan Times, for instance, found that over 80% of surveyed Syrians – a group among the largest displaced populations globally – expressed a desire to return home when it’s safe.

NaTakallam was born from this understanding in 2015. As more Syrians sought refuge in Lebanon, they faced impossible barriers to participation: no legal work, no path to inclusion. Our social enterprise offered a solution – allowing them to earn income by teaching languages and sharing their culture with learners around the world.

We’ve since worked with 850+ Language Partners from conflict-affected regions who, beyond their hardships, bring resilience, insight, and skills. They contribute meaningfully to global classrooms and companies. And they reshape perceptions every day.

We need to stop seeing refugees as a single, faceless group. Each individual brings unique experiences and strengths that can enrich our societies. And the data is clear: diverse teams perform better.

Media Bias #2: “Deportations must be executed at all costs.”

What we say: Mass deportations are neither sustainable – nor humane.

In the name of national security and economic stability, some political voices push for sweeping deportation measures. But the reality is far more complex.

Because deportations aren’t just policies on paper. They are people, pulled from their communities, from jobs they’ve held for years, from children they’ve raised. In the U.S. alone, 5.1 million American children live with at least one undocumented parent. For these families, every knock on the door can mean the start of a nightmare: a breadwinner gone, a family torn apart, a future thrown into uncertainty.

Studies show that this limbo – the fear of deportation – causes profound mental health impacts: anxiety, depression, PTSD, and self-harm, also among children.

And while the emotional cost is immeasurable, the financial one isn’t far behind. A CBS investigation estimated it would cost the country $88 billion to deport just 1 million people a year. In addition to that, around $1.7 trillion in projected GDP loss are expected due to the removal of essential workers in industries like construction, agriculture, and hospitality.

Despite these facts, the imagined security threat behind these policies has never been consistently backed by evidence. What it does create is trauma, loss, and social fragmentation.

And the execution and effectiveness of deportations is far from functional: countries often refuse to receive returnees. Enforcement personnel lack adequate language and cultural training. Detention conditions are frequently inhumane, especially for pregnant women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and other vulnerable groups.

At NaTakallam, we see the impact of displacement every day. That’s why we launched our Refugee Voices sessions – live, online conversations that connect displaced individuals with classrooms, workplaces, and communities around the world. These sessions don’t just educate – they humanize. They replace fear with connection, and stereotypes with understanding.

Because a society without immigrants doesn’t mean more safety. It means less exchange and understanding, less innovation, and less of the humanity that makes us whole.

So, how can you support?

In a world where the protection of vulnerable people and the strength of diverse, welcoming communities can no longer be taken for granted, each of us has a role to play.

Whether it’s:

• Welcoming newcomers into your community,
• Challenging media bias and misinformation,
• Supporting refugee-led organizations,

…every action matters.

And if you want to directly support refugee livelihoods, consider bringing NaTakallam into your classroom, office, or home. Through language learning, cultural exchange, and professional translation services, you can help create meaningful opportunities and connection.

Whether you’re interested in Arabic, Armenian, French, Kurdish, Persian, Russian, Spanish, or Ukrainian, our native-speaking Language Partners are here to guide you on your linguistic journey. Book your free trial here.

Looking for group options? Explore our Refugee Voices language learning and cultural competency sessions for your community, classroom or workplace.

Breaking Through Media Bias: The Truth About Refugees and Deportation Read More »

Hope Through Language: A Mother’s Letter From Lebanon

Arabic, Language Partners / Suhara Mushtaq

Reading Time: 4 minutes

At NaTakallam, we connect you with talented language tutors from around the world, offering not only top-quality online language learning opportunities but also a window into rich cultural insights. In this letter, Abir, a NaTakallam Language Partner from Lebanon, shares her story of growth, motherhood, and hope, in the face of conflict. Abir’s journey is a powerful reminder of how language is a source of strength, even in the most uncertain of times.

"Bukra Ahla" (بكرا أحلى) – Tomorrow will be better. That’s what I tell my kids every time Lebanon faces another crisis.

War in Lebanon Then and Now

I vividly remember the summer of 2006, my first experience living through war in Lebanon. At the time, I was only a teenager. The war felt like a distant reality; sounds of explosions in the background. Family gatherings filled our house, and there was even a strange sense of naive joy for me as loved ones sought refuge together. I was shielded from many responsibilities, such as securing food, water, and electricity. My parents took care of everything.

Now, in 2024, I am in their shoes. As a mother of two young children, the experience of war is dramatically different. It’s no longer just about my safety – I have to protect my family, both physically and emotionally. War through a mother’s eyes is exhausting. Every day, I have to stay positive for my kids, no matter how dark things get. I spend my days answering their questions in a way that preserves their innocence, keeping their spirits up with activities, all while also being ready to leave at a moment’s notice. It’s a weight I carry constantly, trying to be their pillar of strength through the uncertainty that surrounds us.

Abir with her two children

Beauty through Hope

The situation around us is only worsening. Our neighborhood is overcrowded as displaced families desperately seek some semblance of safety. What used to be a ten-minute errand now takes over an hour. Houses are crammed full, and schools have turned into shelters.

Houses are crammed full, and schools have turned into shelters. The children are the ones who suffer the most – losing their education, their friendships, and any sense of normalcy.

Through it all, I am reminded that the beauty of Lebanon lies not just in its landscapes but in its people. Our communities pull together in times of need. To me, Lebanon is like a mother – imperfect, yes, but dearly beloved and impossible to leave behind. “Bukra Ahla” is the promise I make to Lebanon, my children, and myself, as a reminder that, despite everything, there’s a future worth fighting for.

Purpose in Every Lesson

NaTakallam is more than a job for me – it’s a second family. One of my colleagues, a Palestinian Language Partner, despite facing her own struggles in Palestine, checks in on me regularly. The connection with my students gives me a sense of purpose. It allows me to do something beyond the confines of my home and the chaos outside.

“All we have is hope,” I remind myself. “Bukra Ahla” – tomorrow will be better. I keep repeating these words, holding on to the promise of better days to come.

Now, Abir wants to share that sense of purpose. By learning Arabic with NaTakallam tutors like Abir, learners are not only gaining a new skill but also supporting a family striving for hope in difficult times. Together, we can build bridges of understanding and create a meaningful impact. Partner with Abir to learn Arabic, and help make a difference, one lesson at a time.

Abir has been teaching Arabic with NaTakallam since 2022

This post is part of the “Letters from our Language Partners” series, where NaTakallam Language Partners share their unique stories, cultures and experiences through the lens of language learning and connection. Want to immerse yourself in a new culture or learn a new language from native speakers? Book a session with one of NaTakallam’s expert tutors and connect with a community that brings language and culture to life.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Abir is in her early thirties, a Lebanese resident who has dedicated ten years to teaching maths and science. Recently, she focused on studying psychology in addition to working as a teacher for students with special needs. Passionate about travel, shopping, and meeting new people, Abir finds joy in exploring diverse cultures and experiences .

ABOUT THE EDITOR: Lenora Dsouza is an intern at NaTakallam and is currently pursuing her Masters degree in International security at Sciences Po Paris. She is passionate about learning new cultures, travelling and binge watching tv shows.

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Naguará: Learn Spanish to Connect to Venezuela’s Heart and Soul

Language Partners, Spanish / [email protected]

Reading Time: 3 minutes

At NaTakallam, we connect you with talented language tutors from around the world, offering not just top-quality online language learning but also deep cultural insights. In this letter, Marije, a NaTakallam Language Partner, welcomes you into the heart of Venezuela, inviting you to learn Spanish along the way. Dive into her story and discover how learning Spanish online opens doors to new cultural perspectives and connections.

I come from a place where the yellow of the sun is as beautiful as the gold that we mined.

I come from a place where the blue of the sky is as beautiful as blue as of the beaches of our coast.

I come from a place where your friend’s children are your nephews and nieces; a place where every time you enter and leave the room you ask for your parents’ blessing.

I come from a place where every time you pass in front of a church you make the signs of the cross.

The Land of Joy and Happiness

Even on bad days, here you can find joy in people.

This is a land of joy and happiness.

Where we have the nicest climate – the eternal summer as I call it.

We have beaches, mountains with snow lakes, forests, jungles, one of the biggest mountain ranges (the Tepuys) around the world, the world’s highest waterfall, El Salto Ángel, and so much more to be grateful for.

Marije, Spanish Language Partner with NaTakallam since 2019

The Emotional Power of a Single Word

One of the nicest words that we have in Venezuela is naguará (nawara); an expression packed with emotion. Naguará means a lot of things. It can be used in an exciting situation, a sad situation or an angry one. When you see the El Salto Ángel or you’re exhausted from hiking the Tepuys or your favorite football team is losing: “naguará, wow”. Its meaning depends on the tone of your voice or the context of the conversation. It is a word widely used in the regional dialects at the center and on the coast of the country.

Venezuela is a place, with a people, a language, and a culture I want to share. Working with NaTakallam has given me the opportunity to meet people all around the world. I’m able to teach my students the great things about my country and my culture; my language is a blessing.

Connection Made Possible Through Language

When I share with my students, I realize that they can identify with me. When they learn Spanish and the deeper meaning behind the linguistics, they become more familiar with my language and culture, even when they’re in their own countries. I see them seek out new experiences, like trying out a Venezuelan restaurant to discover more and taste our food.

I think I cannot explain in words how excited and happy I feel about what it means to me, to be able to touch my students’ hearts and make them love my language and identity. To listen to them using the expression naguará to tell a story of their own is an amazing feeling. In every “naguará” spoken, my language and culture come alive, bridging the gap between worlds, and reminding us that joy, identity, and connection know no borders.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Marije, a 40-year-old economist and mother of two, transitioned from her career to motherhood in Venezuela before moving to Bogotá, Colombia, where she became a Spanish Language Partner with NaTakallam. Now back in Venezuela, she advocates for empathy, shaped by her experiences as an immigrant.

Naguará: Learn Spanish to Connect to Venezuela’s Heart and Soul Read More »

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