Connected By Words, United Beyond Borders

Welcome to the Open Language Initiative. OLI aims to make information more accessible by providing volunteer translation services to humanitarian organisations. We envision a world where multilingualism is embraced, benefiting not only marginalised communities but also businesses, institutions, and individuals globally.

Introducing OLI

The Open Language Initiative was founded on three core realisations: the pressing need for voluntary translation services in the humanitarian sector, the power of embracing multilingualism, and the universal appeal of multilingualism for individuals, organisations, and businesses alike. Discover how we’re connecting the world, one word at a time.
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News and Stories

Introducing Elevate: Training with Purpose and Heart

Introducing Elevate: Training with Purpose and Heart

If you’re a volunteer language professional at OLI and looking to grow, learn, and connect,  we have some exciting news for you! Today, we are introducing Elevate – OLI’s training and development platform for our community. Elevate is designed specifically...

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Giving and Receiving

In today’s interconnected world, the Open Language Initiative recognises that language is both something to be given and received. We’re driven by the need for accessible translation services and the power of multilingualism to benefit everyone. Whether you’re looking to support our mission financially or through volunteer work, or if you’re a non-profit in need of our translation services, we invite you to join our global effort. Learn how you can give to OLI and how you can receive our services.

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How We Help

Facilitating Access to Health Information

OLI’s translation services are empowering a global health initiative. By translating content from English into multiple languages, we’re helping to democratise access to reliable, evidence-based medical information.

Amplifying Humanitarian News

OLI is committed to supporting organisations that deliver urgent humanitarian news. Our volunteers have translated articles about attacks on aid ships to Gaza and Cuba’s donation of 30,000 polio vaccines to Venezuela from English into six languages, ensuring critical information reaches a global audience.

Supporting Public Health in Brazil

OLI is providing essential translation services to a Brazilian non-profit working to strengthen public health services. We translate website content from Portuguese into English, helping them to broaden their reach and impact.

Enabling Women's Empowerment

OLI is proud to support a cross-cultural movement dedicated to empowering women. By translating materials from English into Pashto, we’re helping to break down language barriers and facilitate access to education and advocacy.

Providing Language Support for Refugees

OLI is dedicated to supporting international non-profits that provide essential services to refugees. We translate vital documents from Portuguese into English, ensuring that these organisations can effectively communicate and provide support.

Ambassadors:

Catalysts for Change

At OLI, we believe that inclusivity and accessibility are fundamental rights. Our values — inclusivity, accessibility, diversity, collaboration, and respect — are not just words on paper; they are the guiding principles that shape our actions. We are building a movement that celebrates the richness of human expression and champions the power of language to unite us all.

As an OLI Ambassador, you will be more than a representative; you will be a storyteller, an advocate, and a community builder…

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Get Certified by OLI

OLI Certification provides a framework for individuals and organisations to gain official recognition for their commitment to multilingualism and cross-cultural communication. From businesses and institutions to individuals and young learners, OLI Certification celebrates and validates language skills and efforts to promote a more inclusive world.
Get OLI-Certified

OLI.AN: Associate Network

OLI.AN is the Open Language Initiative’s Associate Network, a community of organisations and individuals who partner with us to promote multilingualism. Our Associate members support OLI’s mission while gaining access to valuable services designed to enhance their global communication.
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Learning At and About OLI

At the Open Language Initiative, we’re committed to fostering growth and providing valuable resources. Our ELEVATE platform offers free training, workshops, and courses for our dedicated volunteers, while also providing enhanced learning opportunities for our OLI.AN members.

For those interested in staying informed about OLI’s latest developments, our Press Room is the go-to source, featuring press releases and a comprehensive media kit for journalists and the public alike.

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