The region’s Strategic Migration Partnership (SMP) is urging more people to learn to teach English as a second language – and are offering to cover costs of tuition.
The SMP’s Wellbeing and Work for Refugees project (WW4RI) aims to give refugees the tools to find paid employment in the UK, a crucial step towards integration.
The organisation’s English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) courses are among its most popular. However, ESOL providers across the region are reporting that they can’t meet the demand for English classes because there are too few teachers
To combat this, the SMP has received funding to cover the tuition costs in training more teachers for the role.
Yasser Rezvani, the SMP’s Regional ESOL Coordinator, urged those interested in a career in teaching to get in touch.
“There are many job opportunities in ESOL teaching and the Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults (CELTA) course we offer is the most widely accepted teaching qualification of this type.
“After housing, ESOL is the biggest challenge for refugees – they won’t be able to fully integrate unless they can speak the language – so we need more teachers to conduct the courses.
“Without learning the language, refugees can become stuck at home, not going out and can become very isolated.
“Learning the language gives them the tools to gain employment and to become an active member of UK society.”
Yasser, who has a background in ESOL teaching himself, said it was a very rewarding career.
“Teaching ESOL is an enormously fulfilling job,” he said, “you can make a real difference to people’s lives and help shape their future for the better.
“As an ESOL teacher, you will be working to help refugees, people in great need, to find their place in the UK, giving them independence and a path through life.”
The SMP is accepting applications from anyone living in the east of England who has a strong grasp of the English language, whether a native speaker or international applicant, including refugees on the WW4RI project
There are two courses available, one starting on 22 September at Cambridge Regional College with the deadline for applications set for 20 September, and the second starting on 2 October from the the Norwich Institute for Language Education with learning entirely online with a deadline of 22 September for applications.
To request an application form, please email yasser.rezvani@eelga.gov.uk