Welcome to OLI's Blog
At OLI, we believe in the power of sharing stories to connect and inspire. On our blog, you’ll find a collection of blog posts, press releases, and success stories that highlight our mission, impact, and the voices of those we serve.
How My World Got Larger — and How I’ve Tried Not to Feel Smaller as a Result
One motivation came from seeing the real challenges faced by at-risk and underserved communities — and wondering how my skills could help support organizations doing good things in the world.
To Our Volunteers: How You Can Help Right Now
Dear OLI friends, I hope this message finds you well. I want to start by thanking you for the incredible dedication, skill, and compassion you bring to OLI. Every day, your work helps break down language barriers for people in crisis-and we couldn’t do it without you....
More Than Training: The Heart Behind OLI’s Elevate Programme
Explore the passion that drives OLI’s Elevate programme. This isn’t just about skills; it’s about creating a space where volunteers thrive, connect, and make a real difference together.
The Languages of Exclusion: A Personal Journey to Multilingual Advocacy
From childhood code languages to a global mission, this is a personal reflection on how language can exclude and the urgent need for multilingualism to ensure access for all. Join the Open Language Initiative.
From My Grandfather’s Desk to a World of Words
He was a quiet man with an enormous desk with many drawers packed with old reading glasses, palm-leaf manuscripts, stamps and coins from around the world, fountain pens, and ink bottles. His study was surrounded by bookshelves filled with literature, astronomy, and astrology.
When Languages Meet, People Do Too
Multilingualism isn’t just a skill. For some, it’s a calling — a quiet obsession that grows from childhood curiosities into a compass guiding our lives. I’m one of those people.
How One Book Sparked My Journey into Languages
At the age of seven, I could read almost every Arabic book under the sun. I borrowed books from my neighbour’s library, read the newspaper my father brought home, and could even read the subtitles in movies. That was exciting — no other child on our street could do...