Wells Language Hub ignites passion for languages at inaugural event

The Skinners' Kent Academy and Dartford Grammar School for Boys recently took a significant stride in promoting language education by unveiling the Wells Language Hub. Funded by the Department for Education, the Hub has collaborated with eight Partner Schools across Kent, championing the educational, social and economic advantages of learning a language.

Held at Tonbridge School, the Hub's inaugural event, carrying the theme "Where Will Languages Take You?" sought to ignite students' curiosity and shed light on the boundless opportunities that languages can unlock. The event featured a diverse array of esteemed speakers hailing from various professional backgrounds, each a testament to the invaluable nature of language skills in their respective careers.

Offering insights into the realms of government, defence, and strategic policy, Michelle Howard, a lead advisor, and Nigel Howard, a national security expert, shed light on the indispensable value of language skills in navigating complex geopolitical landscapes.

Adriana Hunter, an award-winning translator of French literature, shared her experiences, highlighting the power of effective communication across linguistic and cultural barriers. Danilo McGarry, a globally renowned AI expert ranked among the Top 20 in the world by The Times, delivered a captivating talk on the pivotal role of AI in our rapidly evolving world.

Offering a corporate perspective, Dunc Lowe, an advisor to the Board of Campari Group concluded the event, shedding light on the commercial advantages of multilingualism in the global marketplace.

Commenting on the event, Gaby Hernandez, Assistant Principal at The Skinners’ Kent Academy and the Wells Language Hub Lead said: “Competence in multiple languages is an invaluable asset that opens doors to a world of opportunities, both personally and professionally. The mission of our event was to inspire students to appreciate the value of language learning and understand how it can shape their future careers. By highlighting success stories from diverse fields, we aimed to showcase the far-reaching benefits of languages, from fostering cross-cultural understanding to gaining a competitive edge in the corporate world.”

For more information about the Wells Language Hub, please visit our website: www.wellslanguagehub.org.uk