Translators Without Borders

Translators Without Borders (TWB) is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing translation and language services for humanitarian and development agencies, as well as other non-profit organizations around the globe. Founded in 1993, TWB aims to break down language barriers that hinder critical humanitarian efforts by facilitating communication in crisis situations, improving access to health information, and supporting education in underserved languages.

History

Translators Without Borders was initially established as "Traducteurs sans Frontières" by Lori Thicke and Ros Smith-Thomas, founders of the translation company Lexcelera. The organization was created in response to the acute need for translation services in humanitarian missions. Recognizing the pivotal role of language in disseminating vital information, TWB began by supporting NGOs such as Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders) by connecting them with professional volunteer translators.

Mission and Vision

The mission of Translators Without Borders is to ensure that knowledge knows no language barriers. The organization envisions a world where information, in any language, is accessible to everyone, particularly in areas affected by crisis, poverty, or exclusion. TWB plays a crucial role in making health information, education, and crisis response accessible to all, regardless of language.

Programs and Services

Translators Without Borders offers a range of programs and services designed to address the language needs of its partners and beneficiaries:

• Crisis Response Translation: TWB provides rapid response translation services during humanitarian crises to aid in the effective delivery of critical information and services.
• Health Translation: The organization works to translate and disseminate health-related information, making it accessible in multiple languages to ensure broader reach and impact.
• Education and Training: TWB supports education initiatives by translating educational materials and offering language training to humanitarian workers and communities.
• Language Technology: The organization leverages technology to develop innovative solutions for translation and language understanding, including machine translation tools and language data sets.

Impact

Translators Without Borders has made significant contributions to global humanitarian efforts by translating millions of words each year for hundreds of partner organizations. By removing language barriers, TWB has facilitated better health outcomes, increased awareness and understanding during crises, and supported education and development initiatives worldwide.

Volunteering and Support

TWB relies on a global network of volunteer translators who contribute their skills to support the organization's mission. Volunteers play a critical role in enabling TWB to provide its services at no cost to its non-profit partners. Additionally, TWB welcomes support in the form of donations and partnerships from individuals and organizations interested in furthering its mission.

Challenges and Future Directions

Despite its achievements, Translators Without Borders faces ongoing challenges, including the need for more volunteers proficient in less commonly spoken languages and the continuous development of technology to enhance translation efficiency and accuracy. Looking forward, TWB aims to expand its services and reach, addressing the evolving language needs of the global community.