EDLIS

English, Digital Literacy, and Intercultural Skills

Helping underserved young people build English, digital-literacy, leadership, professional, and intercultural skills for equitable participation in the global economy.

Program tree

Explore EDLIS

Open each branch to view the full program description, projects, and quick facts.

Program Description

EDLIS ensures that young people—especially those in rural communities—have access to English, digital-literacy, leadership, and intercultural learning opportunities. The program builds practical communication skills and helps participants become more effective learners, workers, and global citizens.

Program Projects
Teaching English with the U.S. Embassy and Resonate Global Mission
Goal: Introduce participants to key intercultural skills through evidence-based English-language learning resources.

Jeune Espoir received two grants and an online TESOL training opportunity from the U.S. Embassy in 2015 to teach English for quality education and employment in the globalized digital economy. A first grant supported 34 young people through five levels of the NewBridges ESL program. A second grant supported 95 young people. Resonate Global Mission also supported English learning for additional cohorts.

Across these projects, more than 150 rural young people strengthened their English and intercultural skills; some found English-related jobs and others continued their education in English-language settings.

Core activity

After-school English training using the NewBridges program, combined with leadership workshops.

English Access Scholarship Program
Goal: Give 48 underserved students aged 13–20 a foundation in English, leadership, professional skills, and U.S. culture and values.

Jeune Espoir was selected to implement the U.S. Department of State-sponsored English Access Scholarship Program from July 2024 through June 2026.

Core activities

  • After-school English classes and leadership workshops.
  • Enhancement activities, including leadership-development plans, participatory research, and computer training.
  • Intensive activities, including presentations through which participants speak about themselves, their families, and their city.
Quick Facts
July 2024–June 2026

English Access Scholarship Program

Forty-eight underserved students aged 13–20 participate in the U.S. Department of State-sponsored Access Program.

November 2015–February 2017

Formal English classes

U.S. Embassy grants and TESOL support helped Jeune Espoir expand structured English instruction through the NewBridges program.

July 2008–June 2014

English, computers, and leadership at Centre Espoir

Before Jeune Espoir was founded, its future founders taught English and computer skills, facilitated leadership workshops, developed a language lab, and deployed a virtual computer room at Centre Espoir.