The 2021-2022 Libyan YES alumni have already started initiating projects to better their surrounding
world. As they grew up in Libya, they had limited opportunities to enhance their English speaking
skills as it can be a struggle to find English-speaking peers to practice the language with. It can be
frustrating when you acquire the language but lack the verbal skills due to growing up in a nonEnglish-speaking environment. The alumni thought of different ways to assist individuals who need
an environment where they can practice their speaking skills, gain confidence, express themselves,
and engage in eye-opening and cultural discussions.
As members of the YAAL (Yes Alumni Association Libya) non-profit organization, the new alumni
have initiated and also taken part in various projects. They are currently managing an in-person
English Teaching program collaborating with an orphanage to teach underprivileged children English
and help them prepare for the YES program for future participation. They have also taken part in the
Historic Libya project, a YES grant project that will be taking place in Libya.
The alumni finally decided to start an independent virtual club, The English Convo (TEC), with the
great assistance of the CCC founder and Libya EdUSA advisor Mrs. Amira Ouardani.
TEC is an online club founded by 5 Libyan Alumni. The program aims to help non-native English
speakers enhance their speaking skills through weekly online sessions. TEC is not an English Course,
but a safe community, and what makes it special is the amusing activities that help with the needed
skills and unique themes that each session goes by.
Along with aiding students with their speaking skills, TEC also covers a wide range of educational
topics that help expand their knowledge and enculture them. Especially since our members come
from different countries, which elicits interesting conversations, educates us and our participants
about their cultures, and also enlightens us about various cultural misconceptions.
Participation in the YES program helped the alumni to recognize the importance of global citizenship.
They now consider themselves global citizens and have applied that belief to the club, as it is open to
everyone, regardless of their nationality, age, or background as long as they have an intermediate
English level; enough to understand and engage in the activities. They’ve received applications from
13 different countries for the club, which enabled the chance for a diverse group of members.
The alumni have successfully chosen the members for the first round of their program and have had
their first session which was a great success. Each program round lasts for 6 weeks and then the
applications for TEC are reopened for new promising members. By the end of the program, the
participants receive TEC certificates that prove their membership and commitment to the club.
The Libyan alumni are very elated to have used the leadership skills and confidence they obtained
during their exchange year in the USA to benefit others, and are enthusiastic to see the future of the
club. The YES program impacted greatly on the alumni’s vision, as it opened their eyes to the world
of volunteerism. Engaging in a plethora of community service in the USA, the alumni realized that
they can benefit so many underprivileged people through initiating projects independently instead
of waiting for the projects to be initiated.
The next round of applications will be in October/November. So if you want to be part of the TEC
family, keep an eye out for our social media pages! The founding members of TEC:
Malik Alshin (YES 2021-2022, Libya, placed by WorkLink in Littleton, CO)
Taima Ashour (YES2021-2022, Libya, placed by Aspect Foundation in Richfield, UT)
Fatma Ayad (YES 2021-2022, Libya, placed by Ayusa in Marengo, IN)
Yousuf Alaqeeli (YES 2021-2022, Libya, placed by ACES in Elmore, OH)
Abdulmohaymen Alghaneim (YES 2021-2022, Libya, placed by IRIS in Hampten, IA)
Follow-up questions from Mr. David that we answered:
1/What are the names of the six Libyan alumni? Names, years, placement organizations, and
placement city and state
2/Can you share more details about the projects being initiated by the alumni?
3/How did the alumni’s time on the YES program impact their perspectives and help them to pursue
these starting these initiatives?
4/What else does the TEC provide for students? Does it also engage in cultural education to prepare
students?
5/Please feel free to provide any additional information/detail that you think will help people
understand the importance of your amazing club and initiatives.
6/Any additional photos you can provide