Chile’s Volpo Surf Project makes waves with Widgit Symbols

How Widgit Symbols support vulnerable young people in Chile to thrive – in and out of the water

Volpo Surf Project

Guest blog with Volpo Surf Project English Coordinator Florence Berner on how Widgit Symbols help vulnerable young people improve their confidence and communication skills through the power of surfing.

Catch a wave. Save a life. This powerful message from Volpo Surf Project speaks volumes when it comes to supporting some of their underprivileged, at-risk youth members in realising their full potential. Based in the city of Valparaíso, Chile, the Volpo Surf Project was founded to engage, educate and motivate young people in communities affected by crime, drug abuse, unemployment and other barriers they may face on a day-to-day basis.

We spoke to the project’s English Coordinator Florence Berner on how Widgit have helped their unique setting inspire a love of learning, when words simply aren’t enough.

How did you first introduce Widgit Online to the Volpo Surf Project, and what role does it play in your everyday activities?

We first used Widgit Online to create Volpo Surf Project’s diagnostic and evaluative English test to determine kids’ English levels, and thus which class to put them in. We wanted to use Widgit because the children are from vulnerable backgrounds with a variety of social, emotional and learning difficulties that can make doing a test anxiety inducing. Using Widgit helped us create a test that is visually engaging, clearer to read, and with visual aids to help reduce stress and overwhelm. The test will also be used at the end of the year to help measure their progress.

We have also used Widgit to create emotional regulation support tools for the classroom, as well as for fun activities like Pancake Day so children of all abilities feel happy to take part.

Widgit being used in classroom
Pancake Day activity using symbols

Since using Widgit Online, have you noticed any improvements in student engagement – from increased participation to an interest in learning?

Since using Widgit, we have found that it’s easier for our children to:

  • Answer questions about how they are feeling
  • Read through a set of instructions
  • Translate unknown words from their native language
  • Engage better with the handouts and resources provided

The children also find it helpful to see Widgit Symbols above the words they are reading when learning English, to attribute their meaning.

Example Symbols
Example Symbols

“We’re thrilled to see Widgit reach the shores of Chile, helping the Volpo Surf Project reach vulnerable communities through their special approach to learning. We hope Widgit Symbols continue to support children of all abilities and backgrounds in feeling inspired by the sea, motivated to learn, and empowered to achieve their dreams for the future.”

– Anna Cawrey, Widgit Partnership Manager

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