Every year, the International Day of Education reminds us of a simple truth: education is one of the most powerful tools we have to transform lives, strengthen communities and build a more inclusive future. This year, UNESCO has set the theme around “Inclusive Education for a Sustainable Future,” emphasizing that education should be accessible for all, regardless of background or circumstance.
At Foundever®, we see this truth in action every day — in classrooms, training rooms and digital learning spaces across the world where people are preparing for new careers and new possibilities. Our mission aligns perfectly with the global call for inclusive, quality education, as we strive to empower local talent through language education, thereby enhancing employability, social mobility and community resilience.
Language academies
The global job market is evolving quickly. Digital transformation, multilingual customer bases and rising expectations for seamless service mean that communication skills are more important than ever. Yet in many communities, access to high-quality language education remains limited.
The language academy at Foundever bridges this gap by offering structured, accessible and career aligned language training that prepares individuals for real-world roles. For many learners, it’s not just a course, it’s a pathway to their first job, their first promotion or their first step into a global career.
Operating for over 16 years in the Philippines, Costa Rica, Panama, and El Salvador, our academy has supported more than 102,000 participants and graduated over 86,000 individuals. This has contributed to more than 32% of the Foundever hiring funnel from 2022 to 2025, directly expanding the pool of qualified candidates in markets where multilingual talent is scarce.
Closing the skills gap
The disconnect between traditional education and modern job market demands is growing. Companies increasingly seek employees who are fluent in digital tools, possess strong communication skills and are committed to lifelong learning. However, many educational systems aren’t designed to foster these skills.
At Foundever, we see these challenges as opportunities for growth:
- Strengthening pipelines: In competitive job markets, we invest in long-term workforce development, expanding access to training and preparing individuals for sustainable careers.
- Improving retention: Our programs foster engagement, career mobility, and support systems that encourage employees to grow and stay with us.
- Expanding language and digital skills: In countries like Costa Rica, where English proficiency is as low as 6%, we scale language programs and digital learning opportunities to open doors to higher-skilled roles.
- Accelerating job readiness: Understanding that many young people need immediate employment, we offer flexible, fast-track training models that enable quick job placement while supporting ongoing upskilling.
- Aligning with local dynamics: In markets such as El Salvador, where labor incentives shape talent mobility, we create stable, competitive, and development-oriented career experiences.
- Enhancing specialized training: In the Philippines, we continually refine our curriculum to meet U.S. market standards and emerging industry needs.
Addressing local barriers
Each region presents unique challenges: intense hiring competition, high turnover rates, limited English proficiency and immediate employment needs. For example, youth in many communities must find work quickly and can’t always afford lengthy training programs. In the Philippines, U.S. clients require advanced, industry-specific skills, while in Costa Rica, low English proficiency means fewer people qualify for higher-paying jobs.
Rather than seeing these as obstacles, Foundever leverages them as drivers for continuous improvement. Our innovative approach ensures training is relevant, practical and accessible, resulting in stronger talent pipelines and higher employee retention.
The power of partnerships
Our partnerships are crucial for the academy’s success. In the Philippines, we collaborate with local educational institutions, while in Costa Rica, we have established a significant agreement with the government since 2019 to enhance language education access. These partnerships enable us to broaden our reach and impact.
Far-hire initiatives
Foundational and industry-specific skills for individuals from underserved communities, such as out-of-school youth or those from impact sourcing initiatives. These programs aim to bridge skill gaps and create a pipeline of qualified candidates. These are all through our university and community partnerships and local high schools.
Far-hire initiatives provide foundational and industry-specific skills to individuals from underserved communities — including out-of-school youth and participants in impact‑sourcing programs. These efforts help close skill gaps and build a strong pipeline of qualified talent, delivered through partnerships with universities, community organizations and local high schools.
Education that changes lives
Many of our stakeholders prioritize ESG commitments. The language academy contributes directly to local employability, youth development, economic mobility, and diversity and inclusion.
It’s a program that strengthens communities while supporting business outcomes.
And behind every language academy cohort is a story…a young person entering the workforce for the first time, a parent returning to employment, a learner discovering new confidence, or a community gaining access to new opportunities. These stories reflect the true spirit of the International Day of Education: the belief that learning can unlock potential and create lasting change.
A shared commitment to a better future
As we celebrate this global day, we reaffirm our commitment and alignment to the United Nation’s belief that education is a basic human right and a driver of employability, empowerment and economic growth. The language academy at Foundever is a movement towards a future where everyone has access to the tools they need to succeed. By working together — across borders, sectors and communities — we’re building a world where education opens doors to limitless possibilities.
Learn more about action-driven educational programs at Foundever.