LESLLA's 20th Anniversary: celebrating, looking into the future

 
 

LESLLA’s beginnings

In 2005 our story began. An international group of researchers saw the need for an international multidisciplinary forum to address the second language and literacy learning education needs of low or non-literate adults (L2), especially learners with migration or immigration backgrounds. The forum would focus on research, practice and policy. No such organization existed at that time. In 2005, they met at the University of Tilburg, the Netherlands. There the first Symposium took place, where LESLLA was formed.

LESLLA has since evolved into a formal organization maintaining fidelity of their initial grassroots feel and vision while focusing on bringing together practice and research in second language and literacy education from different regions of the world.

Where do we stand now

In 2025, LESLLA will exist for 20 years. In those 20 years, we have accomplished a lot:

  • A Crowd-sourced LESLLA Research Database, bringing together publications on research in the LESLLA field.

  • A Teacher Resources page where LESLLA teachers can find examples of programs, teaching materials, useful websites and agencies, which they can turn to for professional development

  • A Heritage Language Resources Hub where reading materials can be found in a wild range of languages

  • Annual Symposia where researchers, practitioners and policymakers meet and share their expertise.

  • Coffee Breaks, short webinars in spring and fall where a specific topic in the field of LESLLA research or practice is explained by an expert.

Celebrating LESLLA’s 20th Anniversary

As we celebrate LESLLA's 20th anniversary, we don't just reflect on what we have accomplished. We want to look forward to the future. October. 19, 2024 we are organizing an intercontinental online program, to which we would like to invite our members and everyone involved in the LESLLA field. In mid-September 2024 we will open a special web page where you can find all the information you need about:  

  • the registration

  • the program

  • the opportunities for participation in 3 time zones

Preparations for the program are in full swing. On our news page we will keep you informed of the latest updates in the coming weeks.

LESLLA Organization