Creative Conversations - ESOL and crafts programme

Aim: To support migrant parents to improve their English language and literacy skills, and gain a sense of belonging in their local community.

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According to the latest census data 67% of people in Brent were born outside the UK.

Many of our neighbours would love to improve their English speaking skills but face a number of barriers:

• They can’t afford the fees
• They don’t have childcare
• They may not have the confidence

Creative Conversations is an informal and fun way for migrants, including refugees and asylum seekers to improve their English language and literacy skills. The project delivers English classes alongside craft sessions where the students can practise their vocabulary and skills in conversations with their peers and teachers.

The projects aims to help students:

• increase their understanding of English and give them the opportunity to speak and practise their language skills in an informal and enjoyable atmosphere
• gain a sense of belonging and connection to the local community
• increase understanding of life in the UK and to  meet people of different ages and life experiences
• communicate better with teachers, health care workers and other professionals
• increase their support for their children's learning both in school and at home
• progress to further study, both of English at a higher level and of other subjects.

We provide a creche for children under school age as many women are excluded from mainstream ESOL cases because of a lack of childcare. The children are also learning and practising speaking English while they play.

The classes take place in a community library run by volunteers. Attending classes in a community space and mixing with people from different backgrounds will increase confidence and will encourage families to attend other activities on offer.

The project is based on a similar very successful project held in a local school  Our teachers were volunteers with this project and we intend that participants will progress to volunteering opportunities in our local community, e.g. in the library or schools.

Please help us to raise funds to pay for teachers, childcare workers, resources and trips out.