About Gelan English Club

The people, the champions & the story behind the club.

From six friends at a café table to a global community with live rooms, AI tutors and championship trophies.

Years: 0
Leaders & facilitators: 0
Events hosted: 0+
Members: 0+

Est.

2019

Our story

It started with a handwritten sign.

In 2019, a handful of friends — some learning English, some native speakers — propped up a paper sign that read “English Club” against a teapot. Strangers sat down. They kept coming back.

Today Gelan English Club is run by 1 leaders and 0 volunteer facilitators from 1 countries, and our mission hasn't changed: a safe, fun and free place to practise real English with real people.

Kindness first

We correct gently, listen patiently and celebrate progress.

Everyone speaks

Facilitators make sure quieter voices get space too.

Curiosity

We learn about each other's cultures as much as the language.

Always improving

From café tables to AI tutors — we keep reinventing how to learn.

Tue · Coffee & Conversation Circle · 18:30Thu · Book Club (bi-weekly) · 19:00Fri · Debate, Open Mic or Movie Night · 18:00Sat · Workshops & Bootcamps · 10:00

Our history

2019 → today → tomorrow

Scroll through the moments that shaped the club. The line lights up as you travel through time.

2019

March 2019
The first table
Six friends from five countries meet at a local café with a handwritten 'English Club' sign. Gelan English Club is born.
November 2019
50 members & a second table
Word spreads. Tuesday nights now need two tables, then three — and the café starts reserving the back room for us.
April 2020
Going online
During lockdown we move to video calls. Members join from 12 countries and the club becomes truly global.
June 2021
Book Club & Debate League
Daniel launches the monthly Book Club and Sofia starts the Debate League. Both sell out their first sessions.
September 2022
First Debate Championship
Sixteen teams compete in our first championship. Sara Novak lifts the trophy after a nail-biting final.
March 2023
Exam programs launch
Priya introduces IELTS and SAT workshops. Members sit their exams with Gelan English Club support that year.
May 2024
1,000th event
We celebrate our thousandth meetup with a festival of games, speeches and a giant cake shaped like a dictionary.
January 2025
Gelan Digital
Live video rooms, chat channels, the AI Learning Lab and the Speaking Studio open to every member, everywhere.
Summer 2027COMING SOON
Next chapter: Gelan Festival
Our dream: a weekend festival of English with clubs from around the world. Want to help? Get in touch!

Leadership team

Meet the leaders

The team shaping the club, building welcoming spaces and helping our community grow.

Yosef Walelign · English Club

Yosef Walelign

Ethiopia · since 2019

“Every book is a conversation waiting to happen.”

LiteratureReading circlesMentoring

The heart of every session

Our facilitators

Volunteers who guide conversations, run workshops and make every newcomer feel at home.

This could be you

Become a volunteer facilitator

Explore volunteering

Hall of champions

Winners & champions

Debate champions, Golden Mic speakers, spelling bee legends — and this month's top XP earners.

XP Champions — last 30 days LIVE

Full leaderboard →

#1J

30 XP · Ethiopia

#2J

Johannes Biruk

15 XP · Ethiopia

#3I

Ismail

15 XP · Ethiopia

No champions match this filter.

Gelan Live

Livestream

Championship finals, open mics, masterclasses and watch parties, streamed to members everywhere.

No broadcasts yet — stay tuned!

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a certain level of English to join?+

Not at all. We have activities for every level, from beginners to near-native speakers. Each event shows a recommended level.

How much does it cost?+

Membership, events, the AI Lab and live rooms are all free. Some venues are cafés, so buying a drink is appreciated but never required.

How do I become a facilitator?+

Be an active member for a few months, then message us. We run a short training with Daniel and pair you with an experienced facilitator for your first sessions.

How can I compete in the championships?+

Our Debate Championship runs every spring, the Public Speaking Cup in summer and the Spelling Bee in winter. Watch the events calendar — sign-ups open 6 weeks before.

Where can I watch the livestreams?+

Right here on this page! Live broadcasts show up at the top of the Livestream section with a live chat. Replays stay available afterwards.

Still curious? Send us a message.

It started with a handwritten sign.

In 2019, a handful of friends — some learning English, some native speakers — propped up a paper sign that read “English Club” against a teapot. Strangers sat down. They kept coming back.

Today Gelan English Club is run by 1 leaders and 0 volunteer facilitators from 1 countries, and our mission hasn't changed: a safe, fun and free place to practise real English with real people.

The people, the champions & the story behind the club.

It started with a handwritten sign.

2019 → today → tomorrow

The first table

50 members & a second table

Going online

Book Club & Debate League

First Debate Championship

Exam programs launch

1,000th event

Gelan Digital

Next chapter: Gelan Festival

Meet the leaders

Yosef Walelign

Our facilitators

Winners & champions

Livestream

Frequently asked questions

The people, the champions & the story behind the club.

It started with a handwritten sign.

2019 → today → tomorrow

The first table

50 members & a second table

Going online

Book Club & Debate League

First Debate Championship

Exam programs launch

1,000th event

Gelan Digital

Next chapter: Gelan Festival

Meet the leaders

Yosef Walelign

Our facilitators

Winners & champions

Livestream

Frequently asked questions