Confidence Begins with Conversation: How Empower English Is Changing Lives

A Voice That Opens Doors

In a bustling classroom in Jalpaiguri, a shy 16-year-old named Rina nervously stands before her peers. Just weeks ago, she could barely introduce herself in English. Today, she looks up, smiles, and says, “Good morning. My name is Rina, and I want to be a teacher.” Her voice is steady, her words clear. The room erupts in applause — not just for the sentence she spoke, but for the courage she found within herself.

This is the magic of Empower English — a transformative initiative by the AIM Foundation that is helping young students in Kolkata, Purba Bardhaman, and Jalpaiguri find their voice, their confidence, and their place in the world.

The Challenge: When Language Becomes a Barrier

English is more than a language in today’s world. It’s a passport to education, a bridge to opportunity, and a tool for global connection. In India, where competitive exams, job interviews, and higher education often require English proficiency, the lack of spoken English skills can leave talented young minds at the margins.

In rural and semi-urban areas of West Bengal, many students grow up in environments where English is neither spoken at home nor taught effectively in schools. Textbook learning often focuses on grammar and rote memorization, leaving little space for real conversation practice. The result? Students understand written English to some extent but freeze when asked to speak. Their ideas remain locked inside, their confidence dwindles, and opportunities slip away.

The AIM Foundation’s Response: Empower English

Recognizing this urgent gap, AIM Foundation launched Empower English, a spoken English training program tailored for underserved communities. The initiative goes beyond vocabulary lists and grammar drills — it focuses on real-life communication skills that help students express themselves clearly and confidently.

Key features of the program include:

• Interactive Classes: Students practice speaking through role-plays, group discussions, and storytelling.
• Listening and Comprehension Training: Exposure to different accents and real-life conversations.
• Confidence-Building Exercises: Public speaking, debates, and presentations to overcome fear.
• Cultural Context Learning: Understanding how language is used in professional and social settings.
• Digital Learning Support: For schools with internet access, students engage with multimedia lessons and virtual interactions.

Locations and Reach

The program currently runs in:

• Kolkata — Urban centers where underserved communities often get overlooked.
• Purba Bardhaman — Semi-rural areas with limited access to quality language training.
• Jalpaiguri — Remote districts where many children are first-generation learners.

The Ripple Effect of Confidence

When students gain the ability to communicate in English, they gain more than language skills — they gain the courage to participate in class, apply for scholarships, attend job interviews, and interact with people beyond their immediate circles. Confidence transforms opportunities.

Stories of Change

Rina’s Journey

Rina, from Jalpaiguri, always dreamed of becoming a teacher. However, during her first attempt at a teacher training course interview, she could not answer questions in English. Through Empower English, she practiced daily conversations, learned to structure answers, and grew comfortable speaking to strangers. On her second attempt, she aced the interview — in English.

Arjun’s Transformation

Arjun, a college student from Purba Bardhaman, had strong technical knowledge in computers but struggled to land an internship because he could not explain his skills in English. After three months in Empower English, he was able to confidently present his portfolio during interviews. Today, he works as a junior IT assistant and continues to mentor younger students in the program.

Why Your Donation Matters

Your contribution can:

• Provide trained instructors.
• Supply learning materials like books, flashcards, and audio lessons.
• Fund digital resources for remote learning.