Photo by RET

Article by Jean Baptiste Gihugu, Project Communications Officer – EMEAA

ŞANLIURFA, TÜRKIYE – Alisa, a 54-year-old entrepreneur from China, embodies the transformative power of language learning and connection later in life. Having lived in Türkiye for over 15 years, Alisa had settled in Şanlıurfa due to work commitments, dreaming of starting her own business. Despite her long tenure in the country and many attempts to learn the language, she consistently struggled with Turkish and hadn’t found the right learning environment. Significant language barriers hindered her aspirations.

Her journey took a positive turn when she discovered RET International’s language program in Şanlıurfa, part of the “Turkish and English Language Learning Programme as a Tool for Empowerment and Social Cohesion” project. Alisa found the program’s methods to be particularly effective. She praised RET’s innovative approach, stating, “I have never seen such effective language education in any course I have taken in Türkiye before. The method is well thought out. We practice speaking extensively and learn many new words”.

Photo by RET

The engaging, practical sessions and conversations with her classmates from diverse backgrounds, including Iraq, Iran, and Syria, were key to her improvement. She found a sense of connection she hadn’t experienced in years. Alisa enthusiastically shared, “I’m having fun, learning, and making new friends”. During breaks, she actively engaged in Turkish conversations with classmates while also sharing insights into Chinese culture.

Alisa’s story is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to learn. Her experience highlights how language learning acts as a catalyst, not just for linguistic improvement, but also for building meaningful cross-cultural connections and enhancing social cohesion. Alisa expressed deep gratitude to RET and even shared her desire to remain involved as a guest participant after completing her current training. Her experience is a testament to the program’s ability to improve language skills, boost confidence, and foster lasting friendships across different communities.

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