Photo by RET

Article by Jean Baptiste Gihugu, Project Communications Officer – EMEAA

TÜRKIYE – In a world where language barriers can create deep divides, language learning stands out as a powerful pathway to empowerment. RET International’s “Turkish and English Language Learning Programme as a Tool for Empowerment and Social Cohesion II” project recognizes this fundamental truth. Operating from January 1st to December 31st, 2024, this initiative reached over 6,000 individuals in Ankara, Samsun, Mardin, and Şanlıurfa, Türkiye. The majority of participants, 75%, came from refugee communities, highlighting the program’s direct focus on addressing the significant challenges posed by language differences.

Türkiye is currently home to the largest refugee population globally, including around 3.1 million Syrian refugees under Temporary Protection and over 194,000 individuals seeking international protection from various nationalities. For these individuals, language proficiency is not just about communication; it’s crucial for securing employment, integrating socially, and accessing essential services like education, healthcare, and social welfare programs. Only approximately 15% of those under international and temporary protection are fluent in Turkish, further emphasizing the urgent need for comprehensive language education. Language barriers also impact social relationships and overall social cohesion between refugees and host communities. Adult refugee women, in particular, face greater obstacles, being significantly less likely to speak Turkish or have access to formal education compared to men.

RET’s program directly tackles these issues by offering quick and practical courses. A total of 4,080 individuals were direct beneficiaries of the language learning component in 2024, including both refugees and host community members aged between 12 and 55 years. The project’s goal is to empower adolescents, youth, and women and increase their participation in the public sphere by bridging the language divide. A key objective is to integrate adolescent, youth, and women refugees and support social cohesion through these classes.

The program saw significant success, with 1,138 participants successfully completing their language courses between January 1st and December 31st, 2024. Notably, 67.1% of all course completers were female, aligning with the program’s objective of empowering women through education. Fifty percent of the participants were refugees, reflecting a balanced integration approach.

Photo by RET

Photo by RET

The Turkish language courses, in particular, provided quick and practical learning opportunities designed to help participants rapidly acquire basic skills, easing their adaptation, mitigating culture shock, and addressing trauma. The LIELA methodology, incorporating interactive games and engaging activities, created a supportive, stress-free, peaceful, and joyful learning environment[EAR1] . As a result of the effectiveness of this approach and the strong demand observed in the field, a major milestone was reached in 2024: Liechtenstein Language School developed a new literacy-focused module, called the Alpha Module, for participants with no prior reading or writing skills—broadening the program’s reach and inclusivity.    This approach helped participants develop practical life skills and build confidence. Participants reported being able to express their needs in everyday settings like hospitals and markets. As one participant shared, “Before, I couldn’t communicate easily, but now I can ask for help or directions without feeling lost”.

Beyond language acquisition, the courses played a crucial role in promoting social cohesion, fostering connections between diverse nationalities within the classroom, and extending relationships beyond. They facilitated social integration, enhanced access to services, empowered women and youth, promoted psychological well-being, and fostered community cohesion. The English language classes also contributed by providing a platform for peaceful coexistence and helping to reduce stereotypes. They helped participants build confidence in speaking English and boosted their self-expression. For some, the course even served as a source of emotional support and energy.

Through these efforts, RET International’s language program is not just teaching words; it’s building bridges, empowering individuals, and fostering a more inclusive community.

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