Chris
Balakun is an excellent agent in helping both mentors and mentees.
Diana
I'd like to say that Balakun is a great place for all people around the world. Of course, the main purpose is to help Ukrainian people, but even if you're not Ukrainian, you can learn a lot just by talking to people (languages, cultures, self-development and many other things). I'm glad that now I'm a part of this important organisation, I can help Ukrainian people, and I can learn something new for me.
Jacqueline
I haven’t regretted joining Balakun’s volunteer program from day one. The friendships, support and camaraderie among student and volunteer members is outstanding.
Kerri
Balakun introduced me to one of my dearest friends. Practicing English with my mentee has opened both our worlds and hearts. Everyone is looking for ways to help Ukraine, and this gives you a personal and effective way to play a part in supporting the country and its people.
Without a doubt the best thing I have done in years. I have no special skills, so I felt lost in wanting to support Ukraine, but not knowing where to start. Balakun has been an incredible outlet, a wonderful and inclusive community, who are all passionate about standing with Ukraine. It feels like home!
Philip
Don't hesitate - do it!
Bohdan
Balakun is a great organization that supports Ukrainians in English language training. There is a strong social presence for both the students and mentors to interact as much or as little as they want. Since I joined Balakun I have seen the difference Balakun can make, and this is because of the dedicated volunteers at Balakun. Everybody is there to help each other.
Patric
Mentoring is more rewarding than I could have imagined. It surpasses mere talking.
Allie
Working for Balakun is one of the single most rewarding experiences of my life. I cannot overstate how much I have learnt from my students nor how much they inspire me with their courage and determination. As long as there’s a Balakun, I’ll be volunteering for it.
Tommy
Balakun is an incredible community of mentors and students, coming together from all across the globe. I'm grateful and proud to be part of the team, thank you for all you do.
David
Teaching English on Balakun has been so rewarding! I have gotten to know some amazing people and learnt so much from them. I'm happy I can do my own small part to help the people of Ukraine.
Auke
Connecting people. Also, English!
Cathrine
I cannot think of a single thing I would rather be doing than meeting with my student each week. The time is filled with lots of learning for both of us, and even more laughter.
JSS
Balakun gave me an opportunity not to feel helpless while watching the war in Ukraine. Mentoring someone to improve English skills make a real difference in people's careers and future opportunities. For some, its a constant reminder that there are many in the world who care about Ukrainians and holdfast to the hope of Ukrainian victory - and we are here to stay. In a steadily darkening world, it is important to be reassured that we are never, and will never be alone.
Denise
Since joining Balakun I have not only felt as though in some small way I am helping the people of Ukraine but also gained much insight into Ukraine and its people. Thank you Balakun for giving me this opportunity.
Ben
Balakun is a wonderful organisation that allows volunteers to contribute to Ukraine's victory while abroad.
Aaron
Balakun creates opportunities for people to share their time and skills with Ukrainians, either one-to-one or in a group. The main aim is to give people the opportunity to develop their English language skills, with a strong focus on the spoken word. However, Balakun is a lot more than a simple exchange of time - mentoring creates a bond between people, between different nationalities, with a myriad of skills and interests. Ukrainians go from being a statistic within a conflict, a war report, a podcast story, to being people with real-life thoughts, feelings, fears and aspirations. In conflict, being seen and heard, is part of being alive.
Amandine
It has been an amazing journey, I never thought I would learn so much about Ukraine. It reminds me of my childhood penpal.
John
I strongly endorse and recommend this effort to upgrade the linguistic skills of the people of Ukraine. Once the war is over, the Orcs have returned to Mordor, and reconstruction begins, those Ukrainians with the best foreign language skills will be able to help lead the rebuilding and advancement of the nation.
Steve
A peaceful way to help our friends and allies in their hour of need.
