Innovative community project delivers English tuition to isolated groups
United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland (Press Release) February 13, 2008 --
Developed by Manchester’s ‘Women’s Voices’ community group, the project will help to address national funding cuts for ESOL courses (English for Speakers of Other Languages) by maximising resources within the community. Local volunteers from a range of professions have already been trained as ESOL teachers by Cactus, and will donate a few hours a week to teaching English at community centres throughout the region.
Manchester City Council’s executive member for employment and skills, Councillor Sue Murphy, commented: “We conducted a regional survey in 2006 and found that some of the most vulnerable groups, such as asylum seekers, were being excluded because of language barriers. This project isn’t about simply throwing money at the problem and providing quick-fix English tuition. We are empowering the local community to develop English language skills from the ground up.
“We have been overwhelmed by the response to our request for volunteer teachers and over the next six months this will help dozens of people from the most isolated groups to improve their English skills and build their confidence,” added Councillor Murphy. “These teachers will hopefully become role models within their local communities, helping to promote inclusion and cultural awareness.”
Alongside providing English language classes to the community, the project will also enable people interested in teaching careers to get their first step on the ladder. MCC will provide ongoing training through partner colleges, Jobcentre Plus and other employment institutions to help volunteers develop their teaching careers.
Jenny Johnson, Head of Cactus TEFL, added: “Pouring money into providing one-to-one English tuition is a short-sighted answer to the national ESOL crisis. MCC is training English teachers to provide a sustained, long-term resource for everyone in the local community. We are delighted to be involved in a project of this importance and hope that it will become a blueprint for ESOL provision in councils across the UK.”
Ends
For an interview with Manchester City Council or Cactus TEFL, please contact Lucy Brandt at Cactus on 01273 201 936. Photography is available on request.
About Cactus TEFL
Cactus TEFL is the only international admissions and jobs service for TEFL. Cactus has up-to-date information on hundreds of TEFL courses throughout the world, which can be used to compare prices and download application forms. Cactus TEFL also offers tailormade training for a wide range of public and private organisations. Our unique and in-depth knowledge of the industry means that we can also offer an impartial and informed advice service for anyone new to TEFL. Each year we send over 1000 trainees on training courses all over the world.
Developed by Manchester’s ‘Women’s Voices’ community group, the project will help to address national funding cuts for ESOL courses (English for Speakers of Other Languages) by maximising resources within the community. Local volunteers from a range of professions have already been trained as ESOL teachers by Cactus, and will donate a few hours a week to teaching English at community centres throughout the region.
Manchester City Council’s executive member for employment and skills, Councillor Sue Murphy, commented: “We conducted a regional survey in 2006 and found that some of the most vulnerable groups, such as asylum seekers, were being excluded because of language barriers. This project isn’t about simply throwing money at the problem and providing quick-fix English tuition. We are empowering the local community to develop English language skills from the ground up.
“We have been overwhelmed by the response to our request for volunteer teachers and over the next six months this will help dozens of people from the most isolated groups to improve their English skills and build their confidence,” added Councillor Murphy. “These teachers will hopefully become role models within their local communities, helping to promote inclusion and cultural awareness.”
Alongside providing English language classes to the community, the project will also enable people interested in teaching careers to get their first step on the ladder. MCC will provide ongoing training through partner colleges, Jobcentre Plus and other employment institutions to help volunteers develop their teaching careers.
Jenny Johnson, Head of Cactus TEFL, added: “Pouring money into providing one-to-one English tuition is a short-sighted answer to the national ESOL crisis. MCC is training English teachers to provide a sustained, long-term resource for everyone in the local community. We are delighted to be involved in a project of this importance and hope that it will become a blueprint for ESOL provision in councils across the UK.”
Ends
For an interview with Manchester City Council or Cactus TEFL, please contact Lucy Brandt at Cactus on 01273 201 936. Photography is available on request.
About Cactus TEFL
Cactus TEFL is the only international admissions and jobs service for TEFL. Cactus has up-to-date information on hundreds of TEFL courses throughout the world, which can be used to compare prices and download application forms. Cactus TEFL also offers tailormade training for a wide range of public and private organisations. Our unique and in-depth knowledge of the industry means that we can also offer an impartial and informed advice service for anyone new to TEFL. Each year we send over 1000 trainees on training courses all over the world.
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