As part of Refugee Week (June 17 – 23), Sefton Council is highlighting the excellent work it does to support refugees through further education.



A number of courses are offered to refugees living in the borough which support them on their journey of learning English and also helps them integrate into our communities.
Classes are accessed through the Council’s Sefton Community Learning Service, which provides educational courses to communities across the borough. The service offers high quality adult learning programmes to help people make positive changes, support personal development and help communities thrive.
Celebrating Refugee Week also ties in with Sefton’s Year of Friendship with the Council focusing on ‘learning’ across the borough throughout June.
Sefton Community Learning Service has provided education to a number of refugees in the borough.
These learners began their journey without English speaking skills and have progressed rapidly through the levels. They have now enrolled on other courses designed to improve their Mathematics and ICT skills.
Cllr Marion Atkinson, Sefton Council’s Labour Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Skills, said: “Developing communications skills has given refugee learners in Sefton independence and confidence. This has allowed them to meet new friends and increased their chances of gaining work experience and employment.
“Learners say they feel welcomed and believe tutors have not only supported them with their English skills but with all aspects of UK life and British values.”
Debbie Parkes, Curriculum Manager-ESOL and Education and Training, said: “We have been involved with the Syrian Resettlement Programme for over 2 years now and continue to welcome new students to our classes. The refugees arrived in this country with little or no understanding of the English language and culture. They have faced many challenges whilst in this country and have required help in adjusting to the area and life in England. In some cases, learning again has been a whole new experience.
“They have adapted well and can now communicate in the English language and make themselves understood. I feel privileged to have the refugees learning here at Sefton Community Learning Service”.
If you would like to know more about our refugee programme or any other courses at the Sefton Community Learning Service, please contact us on 0151 934 4546.
https://www.sefton.gov.uk/schools-le...-learning.aspx
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