Mission Statement
The mission of Learning Enterprises is to expand people’s horizons through conversation-based English language classes taught by American and international volunteers.
Our mission is guided by five principles:
- Fostering creativity in children and adults
- Expanding horizons through access to the English language as means of communication
- Promoting understanding through cross-cultural exchange
- Spreading the spirit of volunteerism
- Providing substantive and rewarding work experience for young people
Our program benefits the children in developing countries who take part in our classes, the host families who open their homes and minds to LE volunteers, and our volunteers who work as teachers for the summer.
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Fostering Creativity
In many of the countries in which we have programs, the predominate method of learning a new language is still rote memorization. Our programs provide an opportunity for students to express the creative parts of their intellect in a dynamic learning environment. Our volunteers are encouraged to play games with the kids. Learning and understanding take place through creative problem solving and lots of improvisation.
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Using the English Language as a means of communication
English has become the primary language for business and travel throughout much of the world, and having a well-educated population who can converse in this international language is critical to a country's ability to self-actualize.
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Cross-Cultural Exchange
In an age when the world is becoming smaller, occasions for cross-cultural encounters increase rapidly, and so does the possibility for misunderstanding. Our volunteers and the students have an opportunity to interact with people whom they might never otherwise meet. Our volunteers and hosts live together, eat together, and learn to acknowledge, as well as respect, the things that make them different and the things they have in common. The intimate environment of the LE experience leads to volunteers and hosts who are aware of cultural differences, and who are more sensitive to the diversity that exists across borders.
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Spreading the spirit of volunteerism
Communities and countries are strengthened by the voluntary work of its members. Our volunteer teachers give their time, money, and enthusiasm by spending their summer living in a place where their skills can be used for the benefit of their hosts. Our Country Coordinators who set up host families and school facilities offer the same. Host community members not only give space for classes, but they also create an open environment where volunteers feel welcome. Each party gives what it can to benefit one another and a spirit of cooperation and mutual benefit is established throughout the community.
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Providing substantive and rewarding work experience for young people
Learning Enterprises' entire staff is comprised of college students or recent college graduates. At LE, young people have the chance to take on significant responsibilities and have a positive impact on the lives of people around the world. Few organizations would entrust a 21 year-old college student with the responsibility of administering the operations of an international non-profit, but we do just that - and with great results!
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Testimonials
“LE has the special ability to claim that it is entirely student-run organization…I feel like that gives it more legitimacy than some other programs that seem like they’re run by huge, faceless companies. LE is friendlier, more personable, and more accessible.”
Julie Duncan, Lithuania 2006
“To me, the core values of Learning Enterprises are respect for other cultures, the welcoming of learning, and the concept of pluralism- that instead of acculturation there is the mutual tolerance and respect of different cultures.”
Katrina Shankland, Mexico 2007
“LE is driven by a desire to connect individuals and groups of people under the premise of mutual respect and understanding. These connections are then the foundation for opening the eyes of volunteers and students to envision what can be done to make the world a better place.”
Margaret Lippett, Panama 2005
“In my eyes, LE has three core values that make it a unique and successful organization. One of these values is creativity. As an organization, LE was very creative in its beginning and still is in the fact that it is run by volunteers and mainly students. The teaching style of the volunteers is creative, unconventional, and ultimately more successful.”
Rory Birmingham, Mexico 2006
“I think one of the best aspects of the program is that volunteers only face minimal costs for their experience. This allows a whole different type of person to be able to volunteer; people who may have had great potential, but had been cut out due to financial restraints. I believe this goes right in hand with what I view as LE’s core values. LE is based on learning, understanding, and spirit. Learning is the core of the organization, understanding is what puts it in action, and spirit is what makes it a success.”
Kathy Rizzo, Indonesia 2006
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