More women in East London can benefit from free English language classes, which are being offered in Tower Hamlets.
Funded by the Working Neighbourhood Fund (WNF) and European Integration Fund (EIF), The Arbour Centre delivers free ESOL classes in Bethnal Green, Poplar, Shadwell, Spitalfields and Stepney Green.
The course aims to help women feel more confident with speaking, reading and writing English to enable them to get jobs.
Severyna Magill, Young BME Women’s Social Inclusion Project Coordinator at The Arbour Centre said: “Our aim is to give newly arrived women the key English language skills they need to be able to access local services and aid their long term social inclusion.
“We deliver very practical lessons with 25% of our lessons held outside of the classroom to build life skills such as exploring our local area, going to supermarkets to buy food and ask questions, learning about and using Oyster cards, going to the chemist to ask questions about how to take medicine and going to local leisure centres to get membership cards and go swimming. Our course is accredited so all learners who pass receive a recognised ESOL certificate.”
Champa Sutradhar, a former student said: “When I came to the UK I thought how can I live here, I don’t speak the language, I don’t know anybody or anything about London? Now I have new friends, I can go shopping alone and I can go to the doctor; life’s easier with more English.”
Councillor Sirajul Islam, lead member for Regeneration and Employment added: “ESOL classes are vital to improving the job prospects of newly arrived women.”
Applicants are asked to register their interest through The Arbour Centre in Stepney Green by calling 7790 6578. The deadline for enrolment is September 15.
2 August 2010
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