Latest news with #ESOL
Metro
2 days ago
- General
- Metro
'I was 17 when I had my first day of school'
Arriving in the UK all by myself, everything felt so new. The streets were quieter, people looked different to me, and I didn't understand what anyone was saying. For a long time, I didn't feel like I belonged anywhere. I was just 16 and placed into care, living in a few different places. All alone, a lot of the time didn't know what was happening. It felt like I was starting from zero. I'm originally from Eritrea in East Africa, but when I was very young, my family fled to Ethiopia due to religious persecution. I spent most of my childhood playing football with other children in the street, but by the time I was 15, it became unsafe to stay in Ethiopia because of the Tigray war. I had no choice but to leave and came to the UK in September 2024. I was alone and had left behind everything I knew including friends, family, language, culture, and had to figure out how to survive and grow in a place that didn't feel like home. It was the hardest thing I've ever done. Because of my immigration status, I wasn't allowed to attend school at first. That was really difficult for me. I had no routine or structure, and most days felt the same. Thankfully through supported lodgings in Cardiff, I started living with my carers Dave and Rebecca who helped me adjust to the new environment; but even with their help, I still felt isolated and unable to be sociable with people my age. I struggled with a lot of boredom and loneliness. I joined a few ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) classes, which helped a little, but it wasn't enough to feel like I had a purpose. I wanted to do more. I wanted to learn, grow and meet people my age. It was my social worker who told me about the King's Trust and suggested I try their Explore programme, which helps young people build confidence and develop essential life skills through workshops, activities and mentoring; helping people like me move closer to education and employment. At first, I wasn't sure. The programme was held at the King's Trust Centre in Cardiff, and even just turning up for the first time felt like a big step. I didn't know what to expect, and I was really shy. Group settings made me anxious, and I was worried I wouldn't understand what was going on. But something in me said give it a try, and I'm so glad I did. The programme helped me find direction. I learned how to write a CV and practise interview techniques, which would help me get a job one day, but it offered more than practical skills – it gave me a sense of freedom and confidence I hadn't felt in a long time. I remember going gorge walking with a group of other young people and being scared at first, but also excited. I had never done anything like that before. I also travelled on a train for the first time through the programme. They might seem small things, but they meant so much to me. Making friends truly changed my life. For the first time since arriving in the UK, I felt like I had people around me who understood me, even if we didn't all speak the same language. We connected through shared experiences and encouragement. I started to believe that I didn't have to hide or be afraid. Now, everything feels different. I'm going to school full-time and studying six subjects – including English. I'm improving my language skills and love being able to learn. I look forward to going in every day now, to see my classmates, to take part and keep growing. I always wanted to get an education but that wasn't a choice I had. My very first day of school was when I was 17, in Cardiff. I also started playing football with a local team. I've always loved it and I'm a big Arsenal fan. Joining the team has given me space to clear my mind. I've even got to play in a national tournament, which was such a proud moment for me. Today, I'm being honoured with the Delta Air Lines Breakthrough Award from the King's Trust at a big ceremony in London. It's hard to believe, as just over a year ago, I was isolated and unsure about my future and now I'm being recognised for how far I've come. Winning the award gives me hope and reminds me that everything I've gone through has made me stronger. It felt like all the hard days, the fears and the doubts, were worth pushing through. Looking ahead, I want to continue working hard and I have big dreams for my future. I hope to study psychology one day, so that I can support other young people like me who are facing similar challenges. It keeps me focused knowing that my hard work may eventually help someone else. I'd also love to pursue football professionally – it's a big dream, but one I'm willing to chase. More Trending To any young person who feels alone or stuck, I know how hard it can be. I know what it feels like to start over and to wonder if things will ever get better. I want them to know that they are strong than they think and they shouldn't give up because there are people out there who care and can help. You just have to take that first step. I didn't do this alone. I had support from the King's Trust, my foster carers, and the amazing staff who believed in me when I didn't believe in myself. But I also had to show up and try, even when it felt scary. For me, this is just the beginning. Metro is a media partner for the Delta Air Lines Breakthrough Award. You can find out more about the King's Trust here. MORE: King Charles reveals he's a Sugababes fan MORE: Donald Trump's second UK state visit to take place in September MORE: I feel my gayest and most powerful at Glastonbury Your free newsletter guide to the best London has on offer, from drinks deals to restaurant reviews.
BBC News
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Bradford students learning English perform Shakespeare play
A group of students who came to West Yorkshire as refugees or asylum seekers are set to perform Shakespeare's The Tempest, after using the play as a way to improve their language teenagers are learning English at Bradford College, with some having only been studying the language for less than a year. Their teacher, Esther Wilkey, said learning the play has been more about understanding where language comes from rather than performing. The college has collaborated with the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) for the past seven years, and is the only college in the country to use its programme with almost all its students learning English as a second language. Of the 40 ESOL (English speakers of other languages) students taking part, more than 20 nationalities will take part in the performance on Friday. ESOL lecturer Ms Wilkey said: "What is really powerful about this is we've got so many different nationalities and some of these countries are at war with each other, and we've got peace in our department." Explaining how she has taught her students the sometimes complex language of Shakespeare, she said: "What's really lovely is sometimes we will look at a text and I will say to them, what do you think that means? "And they will say, I don't know, and I will say, I don't know either let's work it out from the context. "That is really relevant to them, when they come here and they don't understand words. If they can work out the context, that transfers into working on GCSE English."The students have been studying The Tempest since September, and is a tale of shipwrecked strangers meeting on an island which has obvious parallels with their experience as refugees, making Shakespeare's language come alive. Student Daniel Ghadiri said: "I want to be honest with you, when we started Shakespeare, it was boring for me, and I was thinking why do we have to study Shakespeare in Bradford College? "But when we came to the performance it was interesting to me. "If I come to Bradford College next year, I want to do Shakespeare again." Habiba Syedi added: "It really helps me because Shakespeare obviously, it is the language and the vocabulary, it really helps to improve your speaking skills. "It improves everything like English, friends, teamwork, everything."Abdurrakhman Korzhavin said: "I enjoy because I can show my vision of character to everyone, and the teamwork, it is really helpful."The college was named the 2025 winner of Association of Colleges' The Bell Foundation Excellence in ESOL Award, for its innovative approach to English teaching thanks to its work with RSC. The performance coincides with Refugee Week, which is the world's largest arts and culture festival celebrating the contributions, creativity and resilience of refugees and people seeking sanctuary. Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
Western Telegraph
14-06-2025
- General
- Western Telegraph
Annual art exhibition at Pembroke Dock Library now open
The exhibition is being held at Pembroke Dock Library in Pembrokeshire. The exhibition is organised by Learning Pembrokeshire and will run until Thursday, June 27. It features artwork from learners at the Tenby and Pembroke Dock Community Learning Centres. Jenni Griffiths, lifelong learning manager at Pembrokeshire County Council, said: "Both members of staff will be greatly missed, and we wish them all the very best for the next exciting phase of their lives." Visitors can enjoy a variety of pieces created throughout the year, reflecting the dedication and progress of each participant. Art tutor Phil Allen curated the display. (Image: Pembrokeshire County Council) The exhibition opening on June 7 held special significance, as both Mr Allen and Sandra Evans, who organised the event, are retiring this summer. Mr Allen has been a tutor with Learning Pembrokeshire since 2016, bringing extensive experience from his adult education work in London. Ms Evans has served the Pembroke Dock Community Learning Centre for 35 years. Those interested in joining future classes are encouraged to reach out. Learning Pembrokeshire offers a range of courses, including free Essential Skills, ESOL, and IT classes. More information is available online. Alternatively, visit your nearest Community Learning Centre, call 01437 770130, or email learn@
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Lake-Sumter State College to offer new ESE bachelor's degree
Lake-Sumter State College will launch a Bachelor of Science in Exceptional Student Education (ESE) starting in fall 2026 after the State Board of Education approved it on June 4th. The program aims to meet the high demand for certified ESE teachers in Lake and Sumter Counties. 'This is a big step for LSSC and our excited to train local ESE teachers with the help of Lake and Sumter County Schools.' Dr. Laura Byrd, LSSC's Interim President The program combines online and in-person classes, incorporates Reading and ESOL endorsements, and provides practical training at Lake Hills School. Lake County Schools Superintendent Diane Kornegay said, 'Students will get real classroom experience, and our K-12 kids will benefit from dedicated ESE teachers.' 'With a higher-than-average ESE student population, we need more teachers. This program assists local educators in obtaining certification while they work." Logan Brown, Superintendent of Sumter County Schools This is LSSC's second education bachelor's degree, following its Elementary Education program, which started in 2024. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
ESOL Summer Bridge Program to begin in third year helping community
WILLIMANTIC — The English for Speakers of Other Languages Summer Bridge Program kicked off its third year at CT State Community College Quinebaug Valley in Willimantic. The Scripps Family Fund for Education and the Arts funded the program through the Northeast Connecticut Education Foundation. The $40,000 grant covers tuition and educational expenses for students with classes, field trips, tutoring and activities. The 10-week program aims to help improve language skills and prepare students for the fall semester as some transition from ESOL to degree paths at Quinbaug Valley. The past two iterations of the program have data that shows incredible gains, which include a 100% completion rate for those who registered for the 2024 fall semester. 'Summer is a long time to go without hearing and speaking English for many English Language Learner students,' said Elkin Espitia-Loaiza, Quinebaug Valley professor of ESOL and Spanish, Arts and Humanities, and ESOL program coordinator. 'This program has proven to be an effective way to bridge that gap; over the past two years, we have seen students gain the knowledge and confidence they need to excel at their studies. Without the Summer Bridge, many students would not be able to make the leap from ESOL to credit courses.' CT State Quinebaug Valley ESOL student Germán Méndez González, who has been in the program, shared their experience and the opportunities it has provided. 'My time in the Summer Bridge program has given me a chance to progress with my education and have more opportunities as I plan my future,' González said. 'I am grateful for the funds that make this experience possible and for what I have been able to accomplish.' CT State Quinebaug Valley Director of Institutional Advancement Monique Wolanin extended her appreciation to the SFFEA. 'Sincere thanks are due to the Scripps and Linda Marshall for their continued investments and confidence in our students, faculty, and the Northeast Connecticut Education Foundation. Your gift is truly transformative,' Wolanin said. The foundation's mission is to provide scholarships and other financial support to Northeast Connecticut residents who want to pursue higher education.
