The Learning Station Project is a charity set up in 2016 dedicated to supporting refugees, asylum seekers and migrants in the United Kingdom to acquire the knowledge, confidence and English language skills they need. We provide a programme of English classes for students to develop on both a personal and professional level as well as cultural outings and sports activities aiming to create a welcoming and trustworthy environment where people from all backgrounds can grow.
On the back of the Covid-19 crisis, we shifted to virtual classes to continue supporting our students in London as well as expand our reach across the United Kingdom. English classes are offered once a week on a 1:1 basis to students of all levels and backgrounds. Students are paired with the right volunteer based on their level of English. On weekends we also offer group classes for students wishing to access more learning hours. We have no student selection criteria as our intention is to keep access to these classes as open as possible. Through this programme, we seek to equip our students with the language skills that they need to start their new life in the UK, whether it is to go back to higher education or to find a job.
Since early 2020, we have supported 99 students from 28 different countries with English classes thanks to a body of 100+ volunteers who taught remotely and ensured regular social and mental health check-ins. Indeed, the Covid-19 lockdown has shown us how much students value the support we provide in and outside of class given the increased isolation and social hardship experienced over the past 18 months.
As we transition back to a flexible model of both virtual and in-person classes, we seek to support as many students as possible and provide them with the best platform and tools. Importantly, we have seen in the past a material uptick in recurring engagement from students in our physical classes when transportation subsidies were provided. Indeed, asylum seekers are not allowed to claim benefits or work in the UK and can only receive asylum support set at around £5.39 per day. Refugees and other migrants face similar financial hardships where they must prioritise their living expenses, sometimes at the cost of education. We thus aim to provide these subsidies as often as possible, which will further grow our day-to-expenses post-Covid.
In addition to English classes, we previously organised monthly outings which sought to be accessible and inclusive to all. These outings included visits to museums, rock climbing, cycling trips, plays, concerts etc. We have now started to resume social outings a couple weeks ago, with a day full of sports and picnics at Lee Valley with students from countries such as Afghanistan and Albania. Our programme is a place where students can socialise, make new friends and come together to find the support they need.
Looking to help our cause and students? Please consider donating.
What can we achieve with your donations?
- £500 helps pay for ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) teacher training to 10 of our volunteers
- £250 helps pay for 1 student to attend a year of English classes through transportation subsidies
- £150 helps pay for a sports activity involving 10 students including transportation and food
- £100 helps pay for a smart phone and data to enable 1 student to access online connectivity
- £20 helps pay for 1 month of 4G data for 2 students to attend virtual classes
- £10 helps pay for 1 student’s English textbook
- £5 helps pay for 1 student to attend a 3-hour long class through transportation subsidies
100% of your donations directly go towards helping migrants, refugees and asylum seekers in need. With your help we can continue and further expand our impact across the UK.
Thank you,
The Learning Station Project Team