In June, more than 140 educators, government officials, municipal leaders, academic representatives, and community partners gathered for Speaking the Future, a conference celebrating a shared vision: preparing Israel’s next generation with the language skills and confidence they need to thrive in an increasingly connected and technology-driven world.
Held as the flagship event of TALMA’s partnership with Israel’s Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, the conference highlighted how spoken English and STEM education can work hand in hand to create meaningful opportunities for students, especially in Israel’s periphery.
Building English Through Real-World Learning
The conference also highlighted TALMA’s We Speak program, a spoken English initiative for middle school students developed in partnership with Israel’s Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology.
The program provides two additional hours of spoken English each week, giving students more opportunities to build confidence through conversation and meaningful communication.
By combining spoken English with STEM learning, students strengthen their communication skills while exploring topics in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Built around the internationally recognized CEFR framework, the program helps students develop practical English skills they can use both inside and outside the classroom.
Learn more about the We Speak program →
Growing Impact Across Israel
Over the past three years, the program has continued to expand its reach and deepen its impact.
In the past year alone, the program achieved:
- Students demonstrated an average 40% improvement in spoken English proficiency, measured using the CEFR framework.
- The number of learning groups grew by 167%.
- The program expanded from 6 to 12 municipalities, including Sderot, Ashkelon, Kseifa, Rahat, Sakhnin, and Maghar.
- Nearly 1,000 students participated across Israel.
Overall, the initiative has operated 100 learning groups during its first three years, including 40 groups this past year alone.
English as a Bridge to Opportunity
Throughout the conference, speakers emphasized that English is far more than another school subject. It is a gateway to opportunity, innovation, and global connection.
As TALMA CEO Ido Mahatzri shared:
“English is a bridge to opportunity, to knowledge, to innovation, and a bridge connecting Israel to the world. Between a student in Sderot or Kseifa and a scientist or researcher overseas. Especially in these complex times, that connection matters more than ever.”
Omer Shechter, Director General of the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, highlighted the long-term impact of investing in young learners:
“Research shows that participation in enrichment programs and STEM and spoken English projects from a young age creates a profound change in young people’s willingness and ability to enter technological pathways in the future.”
Together, these messages reinforced the conference’s central theme. English and technology are essential drivers of Israel’s future economic growth, innovation, and social mobility.
Looking Ahead
Speaking the Future was more than a conference. It was a celebration of what becomes possible when educators, government, local communities, and partners work toward a shared goal.
By combining spoken English with STEM learning, TALMA and the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology are helping students develop the confidence, communication skills, and curiosity they need to succeed in a rapidly changing world.
As the partnership continues to grow, so does its impact, opening new opportunities for students across Israel and helping build a stronger, more connected future.
Meet the TALMA Team:
Shani Kfir Wolff joined TALMA a year ago and serves as TALMA’s Programs and Partnerships Director, leading partnerships with Israeli government ministries and social impact organizations.
An educator and community development professional with more than 15 years of experience, Shani has led major national and international educational initiatives focused on youth and young adults. Today, she helps build the strategic partnerships that make programs like Speaking the Future possible, connecting government, communities, and education to create lasting impact for students across Israel.
