Media Release: May 2019
Up to 6 000 refugees from refugee camps in Jordan, Egypt and Lebanon are scheduled to arrive in the UK before 2020. Most of these refugees will not be able to speak English when they arrive. Maximpact, together with the UNHCR, have recognised the need for a pre-arrival pre-ESOL (English for speakers of other languages) programme to equip migrants with sufficient English skills prior to their arrival in the UK. The aim of this new programme is to enable faster integration, both socially and economically, into the refugees’ host communities.
What is ESOL?
ESOL is the teaching of English to people whose first language is not English. It is typically discussed in terms of Levels, which refer to both the skills and the qualifications achieved. These levels are:
- Entry Level (sub-divided into Entry 1, 2 and 3)
- Level 1
- Level 2
The pre-entry programme targets pre-Entry Level learners who are complete beginners and who understand little to no English. These learners may have very little prior education, and may not be literate in their first language. The aim of the pre-arrival pre-ESOL programme is to make it easier for learners to progress to Entry Level ESOL programmes, and other formal courses, once they arrive in the UK.
Maximpact’s pre-entry, pre-ESOL programme
Maximpact’s pre-entry, pre-ESOL programme equips refugees with the skills and confidence to join the workplace and interact socially in their new communities.
“Maximpact’s pre-entry, pre-ESOL programme equips refugees with the skills and confidence to join the workplace and interact socially in their new communities.”
A crucial part of Maximpact’s programme is an initial assessment of each learner across the four skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing. This pre-assessment is important to get an idea of what level the learner is currently at and what support they might need during the programme. The assessment also allows the learner to set realistic goals and expectations of what they can achieve and what outcomes to expect. A post-programme assessment is also completed to determine the progress that has been made during the course. The results of the assessments will be provided to the local authorities prior to the refugees’ arrival in the UK.
Designed for refugees awaiting relocation
The programme has been designed for migrants, refugees and asylum seekers in refugee camps who are awaiting relocation to the UK.
Caroline Kennedy, the English programme course convener comments; “This is a much needed programme for Syrian migrants entering English speaking countries, especially as no programme like this currently exists. At Maximpact we are very excited about this opportunity as we believe this course is going to make a huge impact to many people’s lives.”
Maximpact is encouraging all organisations involved with refugees awaiting relocation to the UK to get involved in this fast track pre-arrival English programme. For a full project proposal please contact Caroline Kennedy at [email protected]
