Ruhi Bhojani and ENGin: Crafting Friendships that Transcend Borders | By Thaniha Mohan

17-year-old Ruhi Bhojani sits at her desk once a week while teaching English to a Ukrainian teenager named Alona over Zoom, who very quickly, and unexpectedly, becomes a close friend and companion.

Bhojani volunteers at ENGin, a non-profit organization that connects English-speaking volunteers to people in Ukraine looking to learn English through one-on-one sessions. Bhojani has been volunteering with ENGinfor for almost two years now, however at the start of her journey, she could have never predicted the outcome of her work. She states that her work with one teenager, Alona, has evolved into a new friendship, “which is something [she] didn’t expect from a volunteering job.” Now, they both talk and communicate regularly, not just for English sessions, but about their personal lives.

Bhojani says that her work with ENGin has exposed her to the realities of the war in Ukraine and its impact on young Ukrainians. She can see this firsthand through her weekly conversations with Alona. Bhojani has also learned a tremendous amount about Ukrainian culture and traditions and says that her friendship with Alona and the cultural exchanges have been very rewarding, which she never would have experienced if not for ENGin.

ENGin has helped 23,000 people in Ukraine learn English and has around 21,000 volunteer tutors from all 50 states in the United States. Since their start in March 2020, they have created a safe space for growth and understanding between tutors and their tutees. The organization works with Ukrainians and tutors of all ages and matches them based on preferences and interests. Apart from a one-time donation before English learning sessions, the sessions for one whole year are free. The lessons are also free for children from the ages of 9 to 17 and for members and veterans of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and their immediate families. Amid war and challenges, volunteers can help Ukrainian people learn a new language, and in return, learn more about the country. Click here to explore the impactful organization.