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As a social enterprise, we’re building connections through our one-on-one language sessions, organizational partnerships, and through you – our learners.

OUR IMPACT

Impact in Numbers

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learners served

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schools and universities served
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organizational clients
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self-generated by NaTakallam tutors and translators
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sustain themselves through NaTakallam while pursuing educational opportunities

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rely on NaTakallam as their primary source of income

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found new job opportunities or resettlement through our network

OUR COMMITMENT

OUR EXPERTS

Meet The NaTakallam Language Partners

Our Language Partners’ stories are at the heart of our impact. Each individual we work with has a unique journey and contributes to our mission in meaningful ways. Explore their stories to see the real-life impact of your learning and incredible people who make it possible.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bring Refugee Voices to Your Organization

Gaith

Language Partner for 7 years

Languages : Arabic, Italian, English

“My career has been a constant quest to push boundaries, seeking new inspirations and methods for creative excellence.”

Griselda

Language Partner for 5 years

Languages : Spanish, English

“Meeting people from diverse backgrounds has deepened my appreciation for our global diversity.”

Claudia

Language Partner for 3 years

Languages : French, English

“NaTakallam helped me to be more open-minded by meeting, discussing with and learning from people from different origins: we don’t only teach, we also learn.”
The Ripple Effect:

Noor’s Story

Refugees work with NaTakallam to gain income, which they in turn spend in their host country.
NaTakallam tutors and translators become economically enabled, form community and strengthen their social capital and networks.
Displaced and conflict-affected tutors and translators find pathways to resettlement and job opportunities through the NaTakallam student community.
Zoom in on: Noor

NaTakallam Language Partner, Noor – a Syrian Language Partner in Lebanon – resettled to Italy, was granted asylum, able to fully restart her life and secure her pathway to EU citizenship.
Now, Noor shares her story and advocates for change…

The Ripple Effect:

Noor’s Story

Refugees work with NaTakallam to gain income, which they in turn spend in their host country.
NaTakallam tutors and translators become economically enabled, form community and strengthen their social capital and networks.
Displaced and conflict-affected tutors and translators find pathways to resettlement and job opportunities through the NaTakallam student community.
Zoom in on: Noor.
NaTakallam Language Partner, Noor – a Syrian Language Partner in Lebanon – resettled to Italy, was granted asylum, able to fully restart her life and secure her pathway to EU citizenship.
Now, Noor shares her story and advocates for change…

Upward mobility: the opportunities don’t stop at freelance language leaching

We’re committed to offering our Language Partners, tutors and translators a career growth pathway – by offering them opportunities within NaTakallam and connecting them with our networks.
Meet our team members who started as Language Partners

Learn a language, change a life.

High-quality, curated language services powered by refugees and conflict-affected communities.

Learn a Language

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NaTakallam harnesses the power of the digital economy to virtually connect displaced and conflict-stricken individuals with avid language learners and organizations in 110+ countries. Through language service opportunities, we directly uplift those who are at risk of financial instability, enabling them to earn an income during transitional periods of displacement and resettlement. All of NaTakallam’s tutors, translators, and interpreters are provided with training and mentorship designed to prepare them for better financial stability in their host communities, breaking the cycle of poverty for future generations.

Issues related to health and well-being often disproportionately affect women and children; this especially pertains to vulnerable populations of refugees and displaced persons. At NaTakallam, our language partners and translators have flexibility over their schedules, enabling them to take ownership over their welfare and hours. We are devoted to promoting good health and well-being (both physical and mental) for all by cultivating a positive work environment. We place a strong emphasis on team member appreciation and ensure that our language partners’ contributions to NaTakallam are recognized through social media spotlight posts, speaker events, and upskill opportunities.

As a woman-founded and women-fueled social enterprise, NaTakallam advocates for gender equality and proudly celebrates the transformative impact women have in the workplace. Our enabling business model is designed to create more employment opportunities for women of all races and backgrounds, with over 75% of our staff, 52% of our language partners and 53% of our translators identifying as female. Since 2015, over $880,000 USD (53% of total income) has been generated in income among NaTakallam’s women tutors, teachers, translators, and interpreters.

NaTakallam serves as an income stream for refugees, displaced persons, and their host communities by connecting them to individuals and organizational clients worldwide, regardless of their geolocation. Since NaTakallam’s launch, our language partners have self-generated over $1,700,000 USD in cash income, earning up to $1,500 per month, which is over twice the minimum wage in their respective host countries such as Lebanon, Turkey, and Egypt.

NaTakallam has created a one-of-a-kind platform that virtually brings together a global community of language enthusiasts, refugees, and their host communities, all while leveraging technology to mobilize displaced and conflict-stricken individuals in vulnerable states. Our unique communication infrastructure pairs digital communication tools with education to allow quality learning opportunities and income generation, a system that remained unshaken even during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Through NaTakallam, refugees have connected with more than 12,000 unique language learners, and over 300 schools and universities through virtual language and cultural exchange sessions, as well as provided translation services to more than 100 corporate and nonprofit clients. On the other end, our students and clients have access to affordable language practice with native speakers while directly contributing to the livelihood of their refugee partners and host community members.

NaTakallam innovatively leverages the digital economy by vetting, hiring, and training refugees of all races, religions, and sexual identities as online language partners, teachers, and translators. In doing so, these often marginalized communities, who face barriers to entry in the local economy and high risk of exploitation on the black market, obtain a restored sense of purpose, a source of income, and marketable skills for future employment. NaTakallam also offers scholarship opportunities to students who may be experiencing financial strain in partnership with K-12 schools, universities, and nonprofit organizations.

Find out more about NaTakallam’s contribution to the SDG goal of reduced inequalities by listening to this conversation with our founder, hosted by the Seedstars podcast.

As an impact-first social enterprise, NaTakallam aims to promote justice, peace, and inclusivity for all members of displaced and conflict-stricken populations. We stand against all abuse, discrimination, and exploitation of especially vulnerable populations. This is especially critical in recent times as xenophobia is becoming more widespread – given a microphone by major political figures and mass media in North America and Europe – with insufficient laws and policies to support them.

By connecting refugees to every corner of the world, especially those in the West, NaTakallam is building bridges across borders, which is critical to making the world a more open, understanding and welcoming place. By also giving a platform to our refugee partners in classrooms, we strive to change the narratives around displaced communities and catalyze change in the youth and global leaders of the future.

NaTakallam works with international organizations, such as the International Rescue Committee, Save the Children, and UNHCR, that directly connect us with individuals impacted by displacement, in the fastest-growing human crises of our time. A recent report from Acumen and IKEA featured NaTakallam’s work to help corporations meet SDG goals.

Moreover, NaTakallam has created synergetic partnerships – with non-profit organizations such as Qatar Foundation International and Teens of Color Abroad, as well as venture philanthropy organization Alfanar – to increase outreach and grant opportunities to individuals and clients, and amplify social impact in the refugee space.

Name: Marianela
Language: Spanish
Origin: Venezuela
Current Location: Argentina
“It’s a great feeling to feel part of a community like NaTakallam. It is a sense of belonging and the security of a good job that I really like and am proud of.”
Marianela, a former adventure tourism agency owner from Venezuela, was forced to leave her home country due to economic collapse, political turmoil, and her role in student protests. Her escape was grueling – a five-day journey by bus, long walks, and nights on sidewalks until she reached Costa Rica. During these challenging times, NaTakallam became a beacon of hope. Referred by a connection, she joined as our first Spanish Language Partner in 2020, teaching over 100 students and sharing her passion for language, culture, and ecology. Marianela did try to return to Venezuela but was forced to live in hiding. She has recently relocated to Buenos Aires, Argentina, where she continues to teach, inspire and connect with learners worldwide through NaTakallam.
Learn Spanish with Tutors like Marianela.
Name: Sayed
Language: Persian
Origin: Afghanistan
Current Location: United States
“It is my honor and pleasure to be part of the NaTakallam family since 2019. We are not only teaching languages, but teaching and learning histories, cultures, and making this world a better place for everyone.”
Sayed, originally from Afghanistan, was forced to flee his home for the first time as a 9 year old, when the Taliban came to power in Afghanistan in the 1990s. His family fled to Iran but were forced to return to Afghanistan. Sayed went on to study French language and literature, and work as an interpreter and translator with international agencies in Afghanistan. Unfortunately, this work put his security at risk, and forced him to flee for a second time – this time to Indonesia in 2013. Sayed spent over a decade as a refugee in Indonesia – with limited rights to work, study, marry, or even travel. In 2024, a crowdfunding campaign started by one of his NaTakallam students helped Sayed resettle in the US.
Learn Persian with Tutors like Sayed.
Name: Hadiya
Language: Arabic (Levantine Dialects & Modern Standard Arabic) & Kurdish (Kurmanji)
Origin: Syria
Current Location: Netherlands
“My language tutoring with NaTakallam is not only teaching language but also understanding the culture which opens minds and creates lasting connections.”
Hadiya’s life was transformed by the Syrian civil war and the subsequent invasion of her hometown by ISIS. She fled to Erbil, Iraq, with her two young children, and with the support of her husband, the family was able to relocate to the Netherlands. Before the Syrian civil war, Hadiya worked as a social worker and studied English Literature. Today, she brings this knowledge, energy, and passion to every session, creating a positive, engaging environment where learning extends beyond language to embrace culture and personal experience. In her free time, she enjoys reading, playing basketball, and doing zumba. Hadiya’s commitment to sharing her heritage inspires her students to learn with curiosity and heart.
Learn Arabic & Kurdish with Tutors like Hadiya.
Name: Youssef
Language: French
Origin: Morocco
Current Location: UMorocco
“A good education can change anyone. A good teacher can change everything.”
Youssef’s passion for teaching stems from his own transformative journey. Raised in Morocco by parents with limited literacy, he faced significant challenges – including a two-year break from school during his teenage years – but was always encouraged to pursue his dreams. His passion for languages and learning brought him back to education, and today, in his thirties, Youssef is a dedicated French teacher, an avid reader, and a marathon runner. In his free time, he channels his creativity into writing French stories exploring history, sociology, climate change, and humanitarian issues, aiming to inspire positive change.
Learn French with Tutors like Youssef.
Name: Shahd
Language: Arabic (Palestinian Dialect)
Origin: Gaza, Palestine
Current Location: United States  
“I now am the sole provider for my family of six: my mother, two sisters, and two brothers. As the only source of income, the responsibility of our survival in Egypt falls to me since we are not granted any of the social services available to Egyptian citizens – and there is little assistance for refugees. Through my freelance work as a journalist and with NaTakallam, I hope to sustain myself and my family and keep up hope for a brighter future.”
Shahd Safi, a former journalist from Gaza, is now pursuing a joint major in Human Rights and Written Arts in the US after fleeing the ongoing genocide. Supported by a GoFundMe campaign led by her NaTakallam student, she evacuated with her mother and siblings, while her father and other family members remain in Gaza.
LEARN arabic WITH TUTORS LIKE shahd.
Name: Anahid
Language: Armenian
Origin: Lebanon
Current Location: Armenia
“It is not accidental that our forefathers called the Armenian language the ‘mother tongue,’ and the land, “fatherland.” When we lost our fatherland, the language became our home. Our language is how we survive as Armenians in the diaspora. That is why I feel that teaching the language has a fundamental role.”
Anahid is a dedicated educator from Lebanon with over 25 years of teaching experience. In March 2020, while visiting her children (both music students in Armenia), Anahid decided to stay on in Yerevan through the COVID-19 pandemic and Beirut’s port explosion – ultimately relocating to keep the family together. Joining NaTakallam in early 2021 as a Language Partner, Anahid has helped the Armenian diaspora reconnect with their heritage. Anahid also teaches Western Armenian at Avedisyan School in Yerevan.
Learn Armenian with Tutors like Anahid.
Name: Iryna
Language: Ukrainian & Russian
Origin: Ukraine
Current Location: Romania
“What I like most about working with NaTakallam is that the organization truly understands what it means to be a refugee in a foreign country. They provide all the support they can, and that makes a huge difference in my life.”
Iryna, a former Ukrainian Language and Literature teacher, lost her job and was forced to flee her homeland amid the ongoing war on Ukraine. For nearly a year prior, she endured the harsh realities of life in a war zone – air raid sirens, explosions, relentless uncertainty. When she left Ukraine in 2023, rebuilding her life as a refugee seemed insurmountable. In Romania, however, Iryna discovered hope and stability through NaTakallam’s support. Now, she embraces every moment – jogging, cherishing time with her children, and studying English – as she steadily rebuilds her future. Her journey is a powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit and the power of language and education to rebuild lives.
Learn Ukrainian & Russian with Tutors like Iryna.
Name: Shrouk
Language: Arabic (Egyptian & Modern Standard Arabic)
Origin: Egypt
Current Location: United States
“My journey through conflict has not only shaped my career but also reinforced my commitment to using language education for connection and empowerment. My NaTakallam classes are interactive, fun, and full of laughter – helping students learn to speak, listen, read, and write from day one.”
Shrouk, originally from Cairo, brings over 12 years of experience in teaching Arabic. She honed her skills at the Arabeya Language Institute and as a private tutor for foreign diplomats. In 2013, a political incident in Egypt threatened her sense of safety. Around the same time, Shrouk met a Egyptian-American online, and their growing connection led her to leave Egypt and start a new chapter in the United States. Now based in the US, she continues to inspire as an Arabic educator while pursuing a Master’s in Arabic Language and Linguistics at California University of Pennsylvania. Certified in Arabic teaching, translation, interpreting, and business administration, Shrouk aims to inspire her students to bridge cultures through the power of language.
LEARN ARABIC WITH TUTORS LIKE Shrouk.
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Ghaith Al Hallak

Arabic LP since 2019

ORIGINALLY FROM:

Hama, Syria   

BASED IN:

Montevideo, Uruguay

LOVES:

Journalism, following the news, and playing chess

"NaTakallam became my window to the world. I can never forget my learnings from this experience."

Griselda

Spanish LP since 2019

ORIGINALLY FROM:

Valencia, Venezuela

BASED IN:

Padua, Italy

LOVES:

Photography,hiking and cooking

"Teaching Spanish is Meeting people from diverse backgrounds has deepened my appreciation for our global diversity."

Spanish is one of the fastest growing foreign languages in the world. Get access to the Spanish business world with our native tutors – tailored to your needs.

Learn Spanish

Improve your proficiency in Farsi or Dari & contextualize your learning with cultural insights from our native tutors. Language & culture go hand-in-hand at NaTakallam.

Learn Persian

Looking to do business with Kurdish businesses? Learn with NaTakallam’s native speakers & reach new language (& business) goals – tailored to your professional needs.

Learn Kurdish

Gain an edge with contextualized French learning by native tutors from displaced backgrounds. Flexible, with cultural & business insights, tailored to your needs.

Learn French

Choose from Eastern Armenian or Western Armenian. Get quality teaching & unique insights from native tutors. Gain an edge with Armenian language skills.

Learn Armenian

Offer your team a smoother integration or transition with our customized English lessons delivered by bilingual tutors with extensive English instruction experience.

Learn English

Choose from Modern Standard Arabic or any of our 7+ dialects offered by native tutors across the region. Take your proficiency to the next level & connect with the Arab business world.

Learn Arabic
Lucy

Lucy Davis

Communications, PR & Development Officer

Background In: Political Science and Advocacy

Languages Spoken: English, French, Spanish, and some Arabic

Based In: France and the US

Loves: Cooking, doing puzzles, and traveling to new places.