It's been clear to me from the start: the YFI method is designed for everyone. I've been thinking about this a lot lately. We're facing times when some people try to bring back old and harmful ideas. I know it's up to each of us to create a better future, and my tool is education. So, I wanted to share our mindset on this topic with you.
Diversity and Flexibility
As I grow older, I realize I can do something to improve education, lives, and even the future of society. Since I started teaching languages, I've had a wide range of students: children and adults with ADHD, wealthy and low-income individuals, people who said the phrase "I will never learn," neurodiverse individuals, people with anxiety, depression, insomnia, white individuals, people of color, students as young as 4 years old and as old as 76, a variety of religions and beliefs, and many other variations. It's remarkable how, if you accept people as they are and get to know them a bit, you can help them become a better version of themselves (and so do you), rather than a tool for an outdated system.
That's why at YFI we accept everyone, and we have flexible schedules and prices because we want to create opportunities for everyone! Furthermore, we are working to launch some programs for low-income and LGBTQ+ students.
Language as a Tool to Integrate
We know that language is constantly changing and that it reflects who we are. Because of that, we share with our students the changes in language to include women and LGBTQ+ individuals. For example, in Spanish and Portuguese, where if you wanted to refer to a "general" audience, you would traditionally use the masculine word "todos." But if most of them were female and you said "todas," the minority of men might feel excluded (and some might be even offended). That's because female was considered below male in traditional language structures, and that's reflected in the words we use. So why wouldn't they change as we grow to a more equal society?
This topic is mentioned in sessions, to consider inclusive language for women and LGBTQ+ individuals, using neutral words and pronouns such as "todes" or "they/them" in English.
What has been your experience with feeling included or excluded in an educational setting?
Laura Chasampi
Coordenadora de YFI
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