I Just Need a Connection: The Refugees Teaching Languages Across Borders

As humanitarian funding declines and immigration systems face increasing strain, refugee-powered social enterprises are emerging as innovative, scalable solutions to complex global challenges. Moderated by NaTakallam Co-Founder Aline Sara, this panel highlights how mission-driven initiatives like NaTakallam harness underutilized talent, create sustainable livelihoods, and address shifting demographic and workforce needs. Featuring lived-experience voices, including Syrian Ataa Alhamede and Gazan Shahd Safi, the session will explore how NaTakallam transforms lives affected by displacement, leverages technology for good, promotes economic inclusion, and models cross-sector collaboration that bridges humanitarian priorities with the digital economy.