Learning Languages, Building Community
At HCOS, we believe in creating opportunities that embrace our core values of relationship, academic success, flexibility, and integrity, equipping students to live out God’s unique purpose in a global context. In line with this goal, we launched a partnership with Advancing the Ministries of the Gospel (AMG) Guatemala by offering weekly online language conversations between HCOS middle school students in Canada and students from AMG schools, Verbena and Las Vistas, in Guatemala.
This program connects HCOS students learning Spanish with Guatemalan students eager to learn and practice their English. For Guatemalan students, proficiency in English is a life-changing skill, unlocking opportunities for higher education and career advancement. For Canadian students, learning Spanish builds linguistic skills while fostering empathy and cultural appreciation.
The goal of this partnership is more than just language learning – it is about building relationships and encouraging one another. Every week, students join virtual “conversation clubs” led by HCOS teachers and staff, where they play games, share stories, and practice their language skills in a safe and supportive environment. The result is a genuine connection that transcends borders, language barriers, and cultural differences.
Flexibility is at the heart of this initiative. Adapting to the needs of students across different time zones and language levels, the program provides a space where participants can learn at their own pace. For Guatemalan students, the sessions offer a practical, conversational complement to their English studies, while Canadian students gain immersive exposure to Spanish.
The conversation clubs left a deep impact on both students and facilitators. HCOS facilitators often use tools like Google Translate to bridge communication gaps and to share feedback in Spanish, demonstrating a commitment to learning alongside their students. One HCOS teacher reflected, “We had some laughs and shared smiles as we worked through the ‘would you rather’ slides. I even brushed up on a little of my Spanish too!” Another shared their enthusiasm for deepening connections with their group: “I feel like we are really starting to get to know each other on a deeper level and make genuine friendships. It is SO fun to watch!” One HCOS student reflected, “I was kind of nervous at first, but the conversations are actually really fun! The Guatemalan kids helped me with my pronunciation.” Another HCOS student shared, “I really liked hearing about how their lives aren’t that different from my life in Canada. Like, one kid said he loved Messi and another one said he liked Ronaldo, and then we all debated who is the best soccer player by doing thumbs up and thumbs down.”
School leaders in Guatemala reflected on the program’s impact on their students: “The students have truly enjoyed their conversation time, and it has made a positive impact on their motivation to learn. We deeply value the partnership between our institutions and the opportunities it provides for everyone involved.” This program not only enriches language skills but builds bridges of understanding, trust, and friendship—one conversation at a time. We are excited about looking forward to seeing God working as we continue this program in 2025!
If you have a middle school student learning Spanish who would like to get involved, please contact Stephanie Martens for more information.
