NaTakallam Empowers Displaced Communities Through Language
- yanabijoor
- Jul 1
- 2 min read
Today over 100 million people are displaced due to war, disease, and climate change. Aline Sara, co-founder and CEO of NaTakallam, is addressing the lack of opportunity for refugees. With her background in journalism, human rights, and conflict resolution, Sara has built an innovative social enterprise that leverages the gig economy to connect refugees with global opportunities, creating sustainable income and cross-cultural understanding.
What is the problem?
Global displacement is a growing crisis, with projections estimating that 150 million individuals will be displaced by 2050. Refugees often face a wide array of barriers, including the inability to get work permits and social isolation. This exclusion not only limits their financial independence but also perpetuates negative narratives about their future potential. The need for sustainable, dignified solutions to empower these communities is urgent.
What is the solution?
NaTakallam, meaning “We Speak” in Arabic, is an online platform that hires displaced and conflict-affected individuals as language tutors, teachers, and translators. By connecting them with language learners worldwide, NaTakallam provides stable income (ranging from $11 to $70 per session) and also tackles social isolation.
The platform supports nine languages, including Arabic, Persian, Spanish, and French, and serves individuals, schools, universities, and NGOs. Through partnerships with institutions like Cornell University and New York University, NaTakallam offers structured curricula, translation services, and cultural exchange programs, all powered by an independent platform with plans for app development and AI integration.
What is the NaTakallam impact?
Since its inception in 2015, NaTakallam has distributed over $3.2 million in self-earned income to more than 500 language partners, impacting 16,000 users across 110 countries and 300 organizations. Beyond financial empowerment, the platform fosters meaningful connections, allowing refugees to share their culture and stories, which helps to reshape global perceptions.
Why It’s Innovative
NaTakallam’s model is groundbreaking because it leverages the digital economy, allowing refugees to bypass traditional barriers such as work permits and earn an income from anywhere they can access an Internet connection.
By leveraging their linguistic and cultural expertise, the platform empowers refugees to transition from aid recipients to active contributors, promoting dignity and agency. Its client-funded approach ensures sustainability, while partnerships with academic institutions and NGOs amplify its reach.
What Needs to Improve
Despite its success, NaTakallam faces challenges in scaling its operations to meet growing demand, particularly with rising global displacement. The platform’s user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) require ongoing enhancements to improve accessibility and efficiency, especially as it transitions to a mobile app. Integrating AI to streamline matching processes and personalize learning could further boost impact but requires significant investment. Additionally, expanding language offerings and reaching more underserved refugee populations, such as those in remote areas with limited internet access, remains a hurdle. Securing consistent funding to support these improvements while maintaining affordability for users is critical.
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