ADA University Hosts English Language Olympiad For Students

ADA University hosted the 7th English Language Olympiad for Academic Purposes on April 7, 2025, showcasing the institution's commitment to enhancing English proficiency among students in Azerbaijan. Organized with the support of the Ministry of Science and Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the event partnered with the Baku Education Information Center, STI Travel, and BESTCOMP GROUP companies.

The first stage of the competition saw an impressive turnout, with 1,674 participants from the 8th and 9th grades. The competition was held at multiple locations: 1,314 students participated at ADA University’s Baku campus, while others competed at the Mir Jalal Pashayev Secondary School No. 39 in Ganja (200 students), the Heydar Aliyev School in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic (105 students), and the ADA University’s Qazakh Center (55 students).

During this initial round, students faced a challenging exam comprising 50 written questions focused on English grammar and reading skills, which they had 80 minutes to complete. The results from this round will determine which students advance to the next stage, scheduled for April 19, 2025, at ADA University. This upcoming phase will assess listening and writing skills.

Excitingly, the competition offers significant incentives for high achievers. The first-place winner will earn the opportunity to participate in the prestigious Global Young Leaders Program in the United Kingdom, a program designed to empower young individuals with leadership skills. Meanwhile, the second and third-place winners will receive valuable prizes, including computers and tablets, courtesy of BESTCOMP GROUP. Additionally, the top 300 students will be recognized with certificates for their outstanding performance, further encouraging academic excellence.

The primary goal of the Olympiad is to evaluate the English language proficiency of students for academic purposes and to motivate them to enhance their language skills. This initiative not only fosters competition but also builds a community of learners dedicated to academic success.

In a different part of the world, Illinois Wesleyan University (IWU) is making strides to bridge the language gap for students and families in Bloomington’s District 87. As of April 7, 2025, the university has been assisting these families through the Multilingual Accessibility Club, a student organization founded by pre-law student Celina El Ghossaini.

El Ghossaini established the club to provide interpretation and translation services, driven by her own experiences as a Lebanese immigrant navigating the complexities of the English language in an academic setting. "We talked about the Warren Court, and that was about Chief Justice Warren. I didn’t know what the Warren Court was and everyone was talking about Chief Justice Marshall; I didn’t know what a chief justice was at that point," she recalled. This personal journey highlighted the importance of cultural context in understanding language.

El Ghossaini emphasized that the differences between standard English and the more nuanced academic language often create barriers for immigrant students and their families. She noted that many parents struggle to engage in their children's education due to language barriers, stating, "That should never have to change with a language barrier." Her initiative aims to ensure that all families can fully participate in their children's educational experiences.

Kimberly Taber, the Director of Multilingual Programs for District 87, quickly recognized the potential impact of El Ghossaini’s club. "I can just reach out to Celina, and say, ‘Hey, we need Tajik today, or hey, for student conferences, we are going to need these three languages, can you help us out?’ And so far, the answer has never been no," Taber explained, highlighting the collaborative spirit of the initiative.

Shachi Sharad, a volunteer with the club, shared her own experiences as an immigrant. "I didn’t go to elementary school here, and I just remember feeling so out of place and panicked all the time. I was really the only Indian girl in my grade," she recalled. Sharad’s journey has fueled her passion for helping others navigate similar challenges, as she assists families in understanding the educational system.

Pranav Patel, coordinator of the Hindu temple BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, noted that while 70% of the Gujarati families in the Bloomington area speak English, the remaining 30% benefit greatly from in-person interpretation services. "The Gujarati language binds your culture. There are just some words that can’t be translated into English. You can try, but the meaning changes," he said, underscoring the importance of preserving cultural identity through language.

El Ghossaini’s club offers interpretation services in an impressive 23 languages, and she remains optimistic about the future of the initiative, hoping to recruit more volunteers. District 87 plans to continue collaborating with the club during registration season, ensuring that families from diverse linguistic backgrounds receive the support they need.

Both ADA University and Illinois Wesleyan University are making significant contributions to their communities by promoting language proficiency and accessibility. These initiatives not only empower students academically but also foster inclusivity, ensuring that all voices are heard and valued in the educational landscape.