The ENGin Program

Cause Area

  • Children & Youth
  • Disaster Relief
  • Education & Literacy
  • Immigrants & Refugees
  • International

Location

42 Highview Avenue #4Stamford, CT 06907 United States

Organization Information

Mission Statement

ENGin is a grassroots nonprofit dedicated to rebuilding Ukraine through the power of the English language. Our one-of-a-kind program is working to pair 100,000 Ukrainian youth with English speakers worldwide for free online conversation practice and cross-cultural connection. On an individual level, we equip students to access academic and professional opportunities. On a national level, we connect Ukraine with the world, spurring economic growth and social progress. Check out our introduction video to learn more: https://youtu.be/LniVDLzB1oA

Description

ENGin's program, launched in March 2020, is the only one of its kind in Ukraine - unlimited 1-on-1 speaking sessions open to any young Ukrainian, anywhere, at any time.

ENGin complements humanitarian aid efforts by giving Ukrainians the skills they need to support themselves in the longer term. Over half of Ukrainians have lost their jobs due to the war; millions have been forced to flee the country. We help open doors to new job opportunities (including remote roles for those still in Ukraine), fill in gaps in education when schools are forced to close, and ease the resettlement process for refugees. As we empower each of our students to rebuild their life, we're also creating a generation of English-fluent, culturally competent Ukrainians ready to rebuild their nation.

Reviews

Would you recommend The ENGin Program?
21 reviews Write a review
by Katie W. from VA (November 14, 2022)
Working with ENGin has been a real pleasure. I was worried when I first signed up because I am not a trained English tutor, but the training they give for new volunteers was extremely informative. They also provide a lot of materials to use to help guide sessions if wanted. I would highly recommend volunteering with this program.
by Jasmine C. (November 3, 2022)
I've been volunteering with ENGin for five months with my Ukrainian student, who has become my friend! It's so much fun to talk to her and we've had lots of laughs and interesting conversations. It's exciting to learn about a different culture while helping someone improve their English. I definitely recommend this opportunity!
by Kaylee S. from New Orleans, LA (October 14, 2022)
I would most certainly recommend this. I know about 30 people trying to volunteer, and this is the easiest site I have ever been on. I love it!
by angela c. (October 13, 2022)
I've been an ENGin volunteer for 5 months now and have found it to be a very rewarding experience. The organization provides great resources and live training opportunities to help volunteers feel more confident and be effective in their sessions with their Ukrainian students. But most importantly (to me), the ENGin team make surprisingly great matches between volunteers and Ukrainian students. I don't know whether matches are made by a finely-tuned algorithm or by very hard working and intuitive staff, but I have two students with whom I felt an instant rapport, that has deepened with time to true friendship. They are both a delight to talk with and I look forward to our sessions each week! Volunteering with ENGin is also an opportunity to show your support for Ukraine in a small, but practical way. Glory to Ukraine!
by Alana D. (October 1, 2022)
ENGin provides a great volunteering opportunity that doesn’t take much out of your life, but it helps the world really connect with Ukraine. It’s been a pleasure working with them and the cause is amazing. As my first volunteering experience, it’s easy and has been beneficial to both me and my student!!
by Hania H. (September 19, 2022)
This is a great tutoring organization for people of Ukraine. You are able to go to meetings for help in tutoring in different areas like, for example, teaching vocabulary. The process of volunteering for this organization was pretty easy and organized. The thing I like about it is that they match you with your ENGin buddy, and you are able to decide your schedules with your ENGin buddy. It's also a great way to help others and to meet new people. :)
by Massiel V. from DO (September 18, 2022)
I have been volunteering with ENGin for over six months and have nothing but positive things to say! My experience so far has been great. They did a pretty good job in the screening process and matched me up with someone perfect for me. My buddy and I have formed a close bond and enjoy our sessions in a way that goes beyond mere tutoring. I 100% recommend it.
by Crystal D. (September 14, 2022)
I’ve been volunteering for more than a year now, and I highly recommend, great experience! Engin is a great opportunity to teach English to help any Ukrainian from anywhere in the world. Organized website and leadership opportunities. Fast with responding to emails and keeps everyone updated with news. Focused and approachable team!
by Andy M. from Ballwin, MO (September 9, 2022)
Since the crescendo of the Ukrainian-Russian war, many individuals, such as myself, have asked ourselves on how we can ameliorate the present conditions of our Ukrainian brothers and sisters. Furthermore, we will seek any opportunities to volunteer, no matter how passive or miniscule. After I made the decision to assist the people of Ukraine, I actively sought for opportunities. Very soon, I discovered ENGin and joined as a volunteer. Without a doubt, joining ENGin was one of the best decisions of my life, thus far. Not only am I slightly more content with my contributions which involve equipping my Ukrainian students with skills that will assist them in immigration, job growth, personal growth, etc., I am continually learning about their beloved country's cultures, customs, fine arts, and so much more. Most of all, I am forming deep bonds and friendships with all of them who are better friends than I deserve. And I will cherish my new friendships for the rest of my life.
by Wendell S. (September 9, 2022)
I've made an incredible friend, and I get to learn about somebody else's culture in a safe environment. I would absolutely recommend this experience to anyone willing to give it a try.
by Kaitlyn E. from Murrells Inlet, SC (September 9, 2022)
The ENGin Program is a very professional, organized, engaging, and rewarding experience. I have been volunteering for 4+ months and have throughly enjoyed my time here. The program also offers training, materials for sessions with students, and responds to questions in a timely manner. You do NOT have to be a professional English tutor or teacher to participate, I went in with no experience in English tutoring and it was easy to acclimate. I also encourage those with even busy schedules to apply, it is a virtual 1 hour a week commitment (for reference I’m a full time college student with a part time job). If you find yourself wanting to do more, the program also has opportunities for ways to get involved even more! I highly recommend the ENGin Program for the volunteering experience!
by Riley W. (September 8, 2022)
This is a great experience, well-run program, and impactful opportunity. As someone new to language teaching, I have found the extensive effort ENGin continues to put into their volunteer strategy resources as well as into their session plans extremely helpful. I would describe my newfound friendship with my buddy as similar to a pen pal, yet even more personal through video calls!
by Joseph z. (September 8, 2022)
Highly Recommend if you need service hours! This is a great way to help someone, learn about a different culture, and make a new friend!
by Jesse D. (September 8, 2022)
ENGin is a great program. It has given me the opportunity to help tutor Ukrainians in English. They have been professional, provided good resources and guidance, and altogether made the process easy.
by Caroline C. (September 8, 2022)
ENGin is a rewarding program that matches you with a buddy, who you help building their English skills. This is helpful not only for Ukraine’s future economy, but also for currently displaced Ukrainians, because English is spoken across the EU.
by Chris W. (September 7, 2022)
Excellent and satisfying experiemce! I've been volunteering with ENGin since May and have been impressed with how well the program is organized. They thoroughly vet both volunteers and students, provide solid training and session materials, take care to match volunteers with students based on language level and interests, and respond promptly to any issues. I've had an absolute blast working with my partner and have made a lifelong friend as well!
by Paige K. (September 7, 2022)
I have only been a member of the ENGin program for a few months but I absolutely love it! It is so fun and neat to get to talk to someone on the other side of the world and help them achieve the goal of becoming a better English speaker. It has been great getting to work for this program.
by Linda R. from Indianapolis, IN (September 7, 2022)
I have been a volunteer tutor with ENGin since June 2022 and it has been an excellent experience. I work with 2 Ukrainians who are appreciative, motivated and delightful people. ENGin is well run - I was matched quickly with people who I share interests with, they provided helpful online training, they follow up regularly, and the optional session materials are good.
by Jane O. from MD (September 6, 2022)
I cannot say enough about how wonderful ENGin program is. First, it is a most worthwhile cause to help the Ukrainian people. They do a remarkable job with matching volunteer mentors to their students. People are matched according to their interests and desires for age and skill level. ENGin does a great job of preparing volunteers with online training and also a handbook. ENGin is extremely well-prepared with full sets of step-by-step lesson plans and resources for materials that are easily accessed online. I have found their lesson materials to be invaluable. There are links to audiovisual materials and resources that I have found to be top-notch. Additionally, ENGin provides excellent trainings and workshops on a periodic basis to assist volunteers with various topics to help teach the students in the best way possible. I am a retired teacher and I have found ENGin’s teaching materials and plans to be excellent. Most importantly, I love working with my student. ENGin is the best!

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