By Sara-Claire Jordan
Translating for big corporate clients can be satisfying monetarily, but there are some kinds of translation that end up filling a particularly human need that often gets overlooked. We all have the potential inside of us to create changes in the world, and many times the things we give end up helping us just as much as the receiver. Non-profit organizations are always in need of translators, and they provide great opportunities for them to practice their craft while feeling good about contributing something to a great cause.
With the various crises going on in the world right now, particularly the refugee crisis, non-profit organizations are needed more than ever. People fleeing from war and violence are having to settle in places where nothing is familiar to them, much less the language. Luckily, there are many aid workers are there waiting for them, but it’s rather difficult to try to help someone when you don’t speak their language. Many non-profit organizations are working closely with translators to get written material translated into various languages spoken by refugees so they can understand their rights and what steps they can take with their new lives.
Even within the U.S., there is a need for translation services that want to work with non-profit organizations. The U.S. is a country populated and founded by immigrants, and that hasn’t changed since its founding. That being said, there still aren’t enough resources for many recent immigrants who haven’t learned English at all or not well enough to understand it without help from an interpreter or translated materials. Sometimes, in the case of recent immigrants or those who simply haven’t managed to find enough work, non-profit organizations that provide free health care and other services are their only option. Imagine trying to get help with a medical issue and not being able to understand anything the doctors and nurses are telling you. Translation is not the same as interpreting, but having a pamphlet on hand in the patient’s mother tongue does wonders.
These are just examples of things going on right now in the world, and even our country, that require non-profit organizations to step in and do what they do best. However, there are some ongoing international problems that need to be constantly looked over to see if there aren’t better and more innovative ways to deal with them. Such problems include world hunger, water supply issues, lack of schools, and more. Many of these issues occur in very different countries, so organizations that focus on a particular issue cannot settle for translating anything into just the languages of one country. They need to be well-informed about the languages spoken where they are working and make sure those in need have access to information in their own language.
Alpha Omega Translations is a translation, interpretation, and desktop publishing company with years of experience, including working with non-profit organizations. The company is very informed of international issues and ready to help however they can.
For an overview of our translation expertise, visit our website translation and localization page.