English Learning Buddy Program

The Problem

In addition to being the world’s most widely spoken language, English is one of India’s official languages. Yet only around 30% of people in India speak the language to some extent.

Many girls living in India’s urban centers, like New Delhi and Mumbai, are afforded the opportunity to go to school. Some schools teach the basics of English, but even if girls are introduced to English in school, this language is new to them: most families, especially those living below the poverty line, speak Hindi or Punjabi. So these girls often don’t have anyone at home to practice with regularly, leaving them without conversational English skills.

The ability to speak English is a marketable skill. It opens up more opportunities and career paths that can empower girls to transform not just their own lives, but also the lives of their families and their communities.

Our Solution: Girls Educating Girls

We developed the English Learning Buddy Program to provide girls in India with the opportunity to practice their English speaking skills.

The program connects girls from low-income families in India (“Learners”) with native English-speaking girls in the United States and Canada (“Buddies”). Participants’ grade levels range from 7 to 12.

Learners and Buddies of similar ages are paired up for a 10-week period. They meet weekly via video calls to follow a structured lesson plan and read stories together. Many girls also chat about their everyday lives, share their experiences, and form lasting bonds.

Buddies that wish to continue volunteering with OneProsper after this 10-week period can also sign up for the English Learning Buddy Ambassador Program.

Connecting & Changing Lives

In addition to achieving the primary goal of helping girls in India practice their spoken English, our solution is unique because it:

Positions Girls as Role Models

Gender roles in India are becoming more egalitarian as women become more involved in politics and the workforce, but many families still adhere to traditional gender roles in the home. By having girls work with their peers, our program shows Learners that girls are powerful, intelligent, and capable of leading.

Cultivates Prosocial Behavior

Through this program, Buddies in the United States and Canada gain valuable experience as mentors and teachers. They also participate in a rewarding volunteer program that enables them to change lives. This experience promotes empathy, concern for others, and a fulfilling opportunity to have an impact on the world.

Fosters Cross-Cultural Friendships

Buddies and Learners come from vastly different regional and cultural backgrounds. Interacting with each other regularly and building friendships allows both sets of girls to broaden their awareness and develop an appreciation for cultures that they may not have otherwise encountered. This enriching, mutually beneficial experience helps girls nurture important skills like empathy and acceptance.