Qatar Foundation International (QFI) and American Councils for International Education (AC), headquartered in Washington DC, have announced a collaboration to advance their goals of global education and strengthen the study and teaching of Arabic language and Arab culture in the US.
AC and QFI will collaborate on and further joint educational, research and training goals that benefit the missions of both organisations regarding the study and teaching of Arabic language and cultures, and of modern language education.
“The partnership between QFI and American Councils represents not only the shared goals of our organisations, but the changing demographics of the US wherein one of every five Americans speak a language other than English at home,” said American Councils President and CEO Dr Dan E Davidson. “Of those languages, Arabic is one of the fastest growing. We look forward to our joint efforts to bring forth greater understanding about Arabic language and culture, as well as to further extend access to educational opportunities to learn Arabic—as well as to measure the language proficiency of those students,” he added.
“We are thrilled to expand our network and join forces with American Councils,” said Maggie Mitchell Salem, QFI Executive Director.
“Sharing global expertise and unique perspectives are an essential step to evolve as we strive to connect young people in the Americas with quality language and culture programmes and produce competent and responsible global citizens,” Salem added.
Initiating the partnership, AC will participate in QFI’s inaugural Arabic K-16 Forum; leading sessions for K-16 Arabic educators on promoting world language education and public awareness.
During the Forum, American Councils’ Dr Ken Petersen will present about the National Examinations in World Languages or NEWL, language proficiency exams endorsed by The College Board that are now available to students of Arabic that seek college credit or placement.
AC and QFI’s partnership will include existing online campaigns, like AC’s #LanguageMatters and QFI’s #ISpeakArabic campaign, and QFI’s continued support of teacher professional development and the expansion and improvement of Arabic language education in the US.
