The
WORLD ENGLISHES
Foundation
We bring English to the World.
A Request for Funding
Wayne de Ponton d'Amécourt
President
Table of contents
• Why World Englishes?
• Project Description
• Project Phases
• Budget
• Conclusion
Why World Englishes?
Today there is not one English language but several Englishes: British, American, Australian, Indian, Hong Kong, African, Canadian, Singaporean and many others. A command of one of these Englishes is vitally important for everyone who wants to be part of the new, global way of life in which computers and the Internet play a central role. Knowledge of English can bring educational advancement and economic improvement, and will empower people everywhere by offering new opportunities and new ways of communicating.
We are faced, at the opening of the twenty-first century, with its new world that demands an unprecedented level of communication skills from its citizens. It is obvious that more people will need guidance and education. Our planet is at risk in many ways, and certainly illiteracy and a tragic lack of understanding between human beings in different parts of the world are among the most devastating threats we face. Many of us have been blessed with education and prosperity; far too many have not. We can all make a difference if we find it in our hearts to do so.
The World Englishes Foundation believes that the access to literacy and education is a basic human right. It is a humanitarian organization that addresses the problems of students and teachers of English on a uniquely global, synthesized level. No one believes that students in embattled or impoverished areas like Kabul, Palestine, Haiti or Sudan should be denied the learning opportunities that are available to those in Rome, Paris or Montreal. The World Englishes Foundation, with the financial assistance of generous and far sighted organizations and individuals, will help give every human being the head start he or she needs.
What makes the World Englishes Foundation different?
• No other group has such a wide-reaching, global vision.
• There are no political or religious affiliations or exclusions. These services are for the benefit of anyone who needs them.
• Everything is linked to the web, so that participants can join a forum or dialogue whenever they wish.
• Those who want to study literature in English will be helped at every level.
• There will be an unusually high level of respect for the feed-back and reactions of those using the materials of the World Englishes Foundation.
The World Englishes Foundation is a private international not for profit organization. It is our intention to launch our program which will address the acquisition of English, literacy and basic computer competence on the internet, for free to learners from the developing world, and for a modest for those and so called developed countries.
At this writing it would appear the initial seed funding will be around € 800.000 and that once we begin to produce our software, we should be able to decrease our overhead by 50%.
The expenditures at the beginning will involve infrastructure, the construction of the platform via satellite, the creation of the software where the content is based in the art in order to help bridge the literacy gap in a neutral, non offensive manner, while equipping learners with knowledge necessary for life. We are working with the premise that art is not only cultivating, but user-friendly and is a proven approach that sustains attention and interest. We want learning to be engaging and useful.
Looking at the present global situation, it is clear that if something is not done to enhance communication, the planet doomed. Iran, Iraq, North Korea, Africa, the struggling East Europe, as well as South America, all suggest that a rapid and intensive overhaul is urgent. Look into your hearts and make this happen. If something is not done immediately, we will all live to regret the catastrophe. The moment is here, please come on board to save world.
Sincerely,
Wayne de Ponton d’Amecourt
President
Project Description
With an initial population of 1,000, it is hoped that by 2010, we will service 1,000,000 learners. This should significantly raise the standard of living of those exposed to the software. Statistically speaking, in a community where unemployment is currently 40%, we should be able to decrease this percentage to 10%, which is still unacceptable. "Rome wasn't built in a day", consequently it will take several decades to really see major amelioration. Like all in life, we must first make a start. Generally, as people become engaged, they improve and with time and conviction, they achieve their goals. In this instance, the goal is to lift themselves out of poverty and begin to take control of their lives. Learning to work in the international vehicular language via the computer may not eliminate all the problems the poor have, but it will at least give them the autonomy to work on their own to change their lives for the better.
Unlike many organizations trying to help the disenfranchised, we are not focusing on material gifts with the exception of hardware in instances that it is necessary. Our approach will center on the creation and presentation of the software. We will have a team of web designers, linguists, who will produce the content in the four linguistic domains: speaking, listening, reading and writing. They will be assisted by specialists in observation, evaluating and testing, who will be responsible for constant feedback. The content will be based on the plastic and the performing arts, as well as activities from real life filmed in authentic environments throughout the world. As a linguist with over twenty years of experience teaching at all levels, from real beginners through PH D's coming from some 90 countries, I will supervise the materials developers in addition to my work as President and co-founder of the Foundation.
The project will be sustained by grants from individuals, foundations, governments, humanitarian groups and by the materials sold to the developing world under the auspices of World Englishes, Inc., a corporation also founded by me and incorporated in France.
Project Phases
Phase n°1 (2009-2010)
• Launch courses online.
• Ongoing evaluation.
• Refining methodology.
• Fund raisers in Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, South Africa, London, New York, Dubai, Sydney
• Begin on line forums.
• Begin selection of Board.
Phase n°2 (2009-2010)
• Launch certificate programs.
• Continued on going evaluation.
• Refining methodology.
• Fund raisers in Saudi Arabia, Japan and Canada.
• Ground breaking for the World Englishes Foundation Center in New York and London
Phase n°3 (2010-2011)
• Launch on line degree program.
• Inauguration of the World Englishes Foundation Center.
• 5 year evaluation.
• Fund raisers: London, New York, New Delhi, Beijing, Rio de Janeiro.
Budget 2009-2011
PERSONNEL ( € )
• President (full time) 100.000
• Assistant to President (full time) 75.000
+40% fringes
• Secretary (part time) 12.000
• Treasurer (part time) 12.000
• Volunteers 3.000
Total 202.000
CONSULTING FEES
• Accountant 12.000
• Legal counsel 10.000
• Corporate management 10.000
• Web designers 210.000
• Software material developers 130.000
• Legal protection of the WEF domain 8.000
Total 380.000
OTHER
• Travelling expenses 142.000
• Office hardware 3600
• Postage 5.000
• Communications 6.500
• Publications 400
• International meetings 2.500
• Special events 125.000
• Advertising 5.000
Total 290.000
Grand Total 872.000
CONCLUSION
In the previous pages, I have tried firstly to establish that we have a global problem with regard to communication and it is about to destroy the planet. Billions of people are disenfranchised because they cannot access information and thereby survive. This condition has proven to be menacing in innumerable instances in our everyday lives. If we don't address this problem immediately, the consequences will be catastrophic.
The only way to bridge this "digital divide" is to allow people entrance into the world of information by teaching them English in addition to their mother tongue. Further to native linguistic requirements, they should also learn to read and write English. Finally, they must become computer literate. The World Englishes Foundations addresses the three domains. We teach English, literacy and basic computer skills.
Our methodology works to establish an autonomy that is necessary to compete in this complex and dangerous world. In addition to making the learners independent, it reinforces the cognitive skills to be self confident.
Who will argue that these are not the ingredients for the production of self reliant, responsible, capable participants in earthly existence? People are frustrated because they cannot take part in the structures and institutions on which a healthy society is built. As fellow inhabitants of the planet, it is our duty to assure that every person has a chance to take on the responsibilities for harmonious living. Communication is paramount in the attainment of these goals. People who have the World Englishes experience will be proud and satisfied with the possibilities they will find in their lives.
As previously stated, we do not adhere to national or religious affiliation. We regret if this proves inconvenient and we sincerely hope that you will not allow this to hinder your contributing to this noble cause. Our goals are beyond nationality and religion and it is noble enough to warrant your help and support, because of its importance and the dire need to start as soon as possible to ameliorate, eventually eliminate this injustice.
Thank you in advance for your consideration.
Wayne de Ponton d’Amecourt, co-founder and President
Abdul Wahid, Assistant to the President
Roger de Ponton d’Amecourt, co-founder and acting Treasurer/Secretary
