Hila Initiative Program
The Hila Initiative Basic Program is composed of three parts:
- English Language Courses
- Conversation Partners
- “Connections” and "Mindfulness" Classes
1. English Language Courses
Hila Initiative students are assigned to online English language courses by CEFR level: A1, A2, B1, B2 and higher.* Each student places into her level based on an entrance exam. Classes have a maximum of 8 students and meet twice per week for 1.5 hours. The A1 level class is taught by a woman who speaks Persian and understands Dari.
* At the end of this page, there is a description of each of the CEFR language levels and our teaching methodology.
2. Conversation Partners
In addition to group classes, each Hila student is assigned a one-on-one English-speaking Conversation Partner (CP) who works with her on improving her spoken English skills.
Conversation Partners are volunteer women from Paris and around the world who agree to give half an hour of their time once a week for a phone conversation or a reading session with a Hila student.
Conversations can be about anything: studies, hobbies, cuisine, family. Afghan students may also ask their CPs to help them with homework or to listen to them read out loud and assist with comprehension and pronunciation. For students with an advanced level of English, CPs will assist them in choosing Path Forward options that allow them to meet their personal goals.
3. "Connections" and "Mindfulness" Classes
The Hila “Connections” is a special class dedicated to women in Afghanistan where students can express themselves in a safe space and learn strategies to help them navigate their world while taking care of their mental health.
The "Mindfulness" class, taught by a psychotherapist and yoga teacher, allows participants to explore ways to feel grounded in their bodies, calm their minds, and nurture self-love and worth.
Both classes meet once per month in English and are open to all students, no matter what their level of English is. A Persian-speaking teacher will be present to explain.
Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) Language Levels
Basic Level (A1, A2)
Basic English skills for beginners
Content:
- Grammar and Sentence Structure: Covers essential grammatical concepts, tenses, and sentence construction.
- Vocabulary Building: Expands basic vocabulary and introduces common English phrases and expressions.
- Listening and Speaking Skills: Develops oral communication and listening comprehension through dialogues, discussions, and interactive activities.
- Reading and Writing Skills: Enhances reading comprehension and written communication.
Intermediate Level (B1, B2)
Building on foundational skills and expanding vocabulary
Content:
- Advanced Grammar and Writing: Focuses on complex sentence structures, essay writing, and academic language.
- Advanced Reading and Critical Thinking: Enhances comprehension of academic texts and critical analysis.
- Advanced Listening and Presentation Skills: Develops oral presentation skills and advanced listening comprehension.
- English Placement Exam preparation: i.e. TOEFL, EILTS, Duolingo.
Advanced Levels (C1, C2)
Developing proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking
Content:
- Academic English: Focuses on academic writing, research, and advanced critical thinking.
- Advanced Listening and Presentation Skills: Continues to develop advanced communication skills.
- TOEFL Preparation (Continued): Ongoing TOEFL preparation to ensure students are ready to take the test.