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When Judith Kajidi and Alain Mwamba moved from the Democratic Republic of the Congo to Texas in 2019, they faced significant challenges due to their limited English skills. The couple, along with their five children, sought better educational opportunities but found everyday life difficult without knowledge of the language.
“I’m telling you, I was frustrated,” Judith said.
“I [could] not understand anything,” added Alain.
While attending worship services as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, they learned about EnglishConnect—a program offered by the Church in more than 50 languages to help people build English proficiency within a supportive community setting. After joining, Judith noted the benefits: “What helped me a lot in the program was the gatherings, talking and speaking to each other in the program.”
Alain described steady improvement: “My English grew every time, every day. We can go to church and listen to the message and understand something and feel our spirits grow up. EnglishConnect helped us to improve everything in our life.”
The program served as a stepping stone for Judith to complete a certificate through BYU–Pathway Worldwide, which provides affordable online bachelor’s degrees that can be finished in as little as three years. When she passed her final exam, she shared her excitement: “That was a miracle,” she said. “Since then, I said, ‘I can do hard things, and I will go until the end and finish my bachelor’s degree.’”
EnglishConnect is structured with free beginner levels (EnglishConnect 1 and 2) and an intermediate course (EnglishConnect 3) that prepares learners for BYU-Pathway Worldwide studies. The initiative is open to all individuals regardless of faith background.
In Calgary, Canada, local Latter-day Saints have used EnglishConnect to support Ukrainian refugees adjusting after fleeing conflict. Collin Steele, a Church leader there, commented on their motivation: “How challenging it is to go to another country and not speak the language,” he said. “We felt a desire and a need to support them, that we had a responsibility to the community.”
Dustin Thompson observed growing participation: “We started a [group], and it doesn’t take many people to get it organized as long as [the volunteers] love what they’re doing. We didn't know how many people were going to come. Then it grew. Now we get 45 to 70 people that come, and that’s only a year later of having people come in.”
For Oleksandr Gurinov—one such Ukrainian immigrant—the program made practical differences: “It really changed my life because I’m always dreaming my kids will be taught in English as a native language,” he said. “I really recommend... these EnglishConnect classes, not just in Canada but around the world. It was a great experience.”
Participants from over 180 countries are using EnglishConnect for greater opportunity globally.
“At the beginning I thought I could never learn,” said Pamela Sepulveda from Valparaiso, Chile. “But with effort and trying and the help of Heavenly Father I am able to speak in English and communicate. It’s not just that you can learn and improve a new language; you are gaining confidence in yourself and what you can achieve.”
Some participants like Akane Orito from Chiba, Japan used EnglishConnect while serving missions: “I was really scared to learn English,” Orito said. “But I gradually realized that if I want to get good English skills I have to speak a lot... Gradually [God] gave me so much help... It helped me for my future... That was a blessing for me.”
Livia Zanini from Rio de Janeiro also participated during her mission service: “It was so hard,” Zanini said. “Now I can look back and really feel so proud of me... Through EnglishConnect and BYU–Pathway I was able achieve more knowledge because now I can understand English...I’m studying at Ensign College [in Salt Lake City].”
Senior leaders within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have also emphasized learning English based on personal experiences.
Elder Thierry K. Mutombo began learning while serving his mission at his president’s encouragement—an opportunity he credits with opening professional doors later on: “[My mission companions] were angels sent from on high… If we had EnglishConnect for missionaries [back then], I would have jumped on it… The Lord wants missionaries learn English because it will open doors even for their own education.”
Elder Carlos A. Godoy similarly benefited after being encouraged by his mission president; knowing English allowed him work for global companies: “[My mission president] opened my mind… He gave me chance vision how would impact my life future.” Both encourage others make learning priority.
“Don’t see it as just hobby,” Elder Mutombo advised.“Make priority because will help grow open doors opportunity your personal life.” Elder Godoy added,“If we want succeed our life different job opportunities different careers english always necessary skill have… If church offering this everybody why not take? It doesn’t matter your faith…each one us wants progress.”
Elder Ronald A Rasband highlighted similar points at December 2024 devotional with BYU–Pathway students:“In business english language world… If want opportunity progress especially business career especially remote jobs going have learn english.” He promised,“if they listen take challenge learn english…the Lord bless them will help them find opportunities.”
More information about participating or starting groups is available at https://englishconnect.org/.
