Throughout the years The Orphaned Starfish Foundation has been working on providing English to the Latin American community with the goal of creating opportunities for our students and providing more employment possibilities for those interested in a bilingual career. Becoming proficient in English is a stepping stone for a world that's ready to be discovered.

The Importance of Learning English

Todays’ world is based on developing abilities that can maintain doors open to the unknown. Learning English is a skill that will always be on demand and that businesses worldwide require most of their employees to know basic English. Giving access to English classes to the OSF students creates a pathway where they start to become familiar with a new language and culture. Furthermore, English learning can be used as a tool to break cycles of poverty, illiteracy and to help generations to grow and cultivate a better future. The OSF English initiative is built to create unlimited opportunities and help students to reach an international market where they are comfortable and their bilingual skills help them to get better results in the workforce.

As we know, English is the language of business and in non-English speaking countries English is a passport to have better opportunities and find better jobs with reasonable salaries. Providing English classes helps to create an environment where our students become more confident and equipped. With this initiative we teach students basic and daily communication skills, how to present themselves and talk about their regular activities and the things they enjoy doing.

Milagro’s Learning Experience

Milagros Sanchez is a student at our OSF tech center in Panama and an OSF Scholarship Recipient that has taken advantage of OSF’s English initiative. She has been devoted to learning and can see herself pursuing a career where she can demonstrate her bilingual abilities.

1- Why do you think English is important?

The English language is fundamental because it allows us to better understand diverse cultures and contexts. In addition, it is a key tool for our personal and

professional development.

2- What are your goals in learning English?

My goals in learning English are: to find a job that combines both the language

and my career. In my field of study, English is essential, as it is a primary

focus. I aspire to advance beyond my current level. I also want to manage

English in my daily life, establishing myself at an intermediate level, which represents a challenge for me. I am interested in English because currently this language opens many doors in the workplace and I have always wanted to learn English to create more opportunities for myself and my family.

3- Are you enjoying learning English?

I enjoy learning new things and English is one of them. Learning new things helps my brain to stay active and young.

4- How do you apply English in your daily and professional life?

I can apply English in various everyday situations and in my professional

Environment. I have the opportunity to talk to tourists in the area and also with some of my friends that are learning English as well. In addition, I am willing to learn and explore new ways of using the language in my life. In 2024 I had the opportunity for 3 months to have a mentorship in English by Emma Lulis through Karla Osorio to learn new vocabulary and practice English. This was an amazing experience because it allowed me to hear a native English speaker teach me pronunciation and grammar.

Learning a new language sometimes becomes a challenge because some people can't afford to pay for classes or the internet to engage in English lessons on their phone. OSF is committed to provide English classes to all the students that are willing to learn and improve their knowledge. We want to make sure that every student gets the opportunity to learn and explore all the possibilities they can to create a brilliant future. With your help and support we can reach more programs and hire English teachers and get people to volunteer and help us spread knowledge and positivity. A bright future is built when a community decides to come together and work together towards the betterment of one another.

 Are you interested in sponsoring one of our classrooms or know anyone that would be interested in volunteering? Please visit our website at www.osf.org to get involved.