Sofia, who teaches English to Mexican refugees in Chicago, thinks that Kusala’s Latudio app could really change the way that language is taught: “Latudio challenges the Critical Period Hypothesis by showing that it is possible to acquire a language after age 13 – you just have to learn in a bit of a different way than you expected.”
Acquiring a language is not just as simple as just attending a course or using an online app. Achieving fluency requires learning to be accessible, flexible, customizable, and innovative. These are the hallmarks of Kusala Institute’s approach to empowering through language.
Accessibility
By enabling refugees to engage remotely, technology makes every-day needs and services more accessible. For example, mobile banking helps refugees more easily access their own funds and receive much-needed remittances from family members in other countries.
Accessibility can be a challenge for language acquisition. Class and work schedules, family obligations, and costly transportation often make it difficult for refugees to join in-person language classes. Although some countries provide a monthly stipend, refugees are often forced to use it for other critical needs – like food and housing – leaving language needs unmet.
Kusala Institute’s technology platform is free and allows for remote learning. In other words, students get all the benefits of an in-person course while being able to learn when it suits their busy schedules.
Flexibility and Customization
Technology allows one-size-fits all programs to be easily customized to fit individual needs. Unlike traditional classrooms, where the students must be flexible in order to fit into the existing curriculum, Kusala Institute uses technology to create flexible curricula that fit the student.
Teachers do the best they can to address the needs of all students, but it is unreasonable to expect them to meet every student’s individual needs in a traditional classroom.Through the Latudio app, students can customize their own learning – from those who are have just learned to say “hello” to those who want to absorb the the finer points of grammar. Kusala Institute’s platform will continue growing to meet the situational content needs of refugees in areas like healthcare, education, entry level jobs, citizenship, and daily life. It also lets students practice in the way that suits them best – through listening, reading, writing, or speaking. Latudio’s content is completely flexible and can be personalized to meet the students where they are.
Innovation
Technological innovation is a critical tool for improving refugees’ quality of life. The UN Refugee Agency, for example, relies on innovative renewable energy technologies to provide solar energy solutions in refugee camps in several countries.
With so many language apps and language website resources available, Kusala Institute and the Latudio app stand out because their technology is directly responsive to refugees’ needs. Through research with teachers, learners, and refugees, they have been able to create an innovative learning model that focuses on bridging the gap between what is available and what is needed.
Language Empowers
Accessibility, customization, flexibility, and innovation are the trademarks of technology pioneers. Those pioneers inspire Kusala Institute’s mission to empower refugees and migrants through language.
Language acquisition is an essential tool for empowering refugees and fostering independence in their new communities. When refugees and migrants are empowered to personally share about their lives in a new language, it’s the tipping point for feeling part of a new home.
To realize the full potential of language for integration, empowerment, and community-building, Kusala Institute needs your support. If you are moved by our mission, consider making a donation and join our community, even as a virtual volunteer. Or, you can reach out to Juan Ghersnich Eckers to explore broader social impact opportunities. Together, let’s promote the foundation of language for refugees and migrants to build a brighter future.
