Learning conversational English is a game-changer for people forced to restart their lives in a new country.

Shaftesbury’s Gold Hill Museum is a popular attraction, offering a window into the past. But in its Garden Room on most days of the week, more than 20 English language students – mostly from the Ukraine – are looking ahead into the future.

For the students are learning how to have a voice as they manage the challenges of living in a new country and mastering a new language.
Even if they have learnt English in their home countries, the reality of launching yourself into life here is another thing altogether. The students in the class are making very rapid progress, according to one of the tutors, who praised their motivation and determination.

Back up from volunteers who meet the students for English conversation, coordinated by the Shaftesbury Refugee Group, is also very helpful, they said, with the classes a real community initiative.

Oksana, from Ukraine, said how grateful they were for the classes which are often free, depending on the individual’s financial situation.
She said: “They have helped my language so much; it’s so important for us to be able to speak.”

“I can find out about everything and how it all works,” said fellow student, Iryna.
“My English has improved a lot. I can learn about lots of different topics which are all relevant and use the words in my normal life.”

Many of the recent Ukrainian refugees have found themselves in quite rural settings, which are very different from their lives in large towns, where many have left professional careers.

Oksana said she was grateful Skills & Learning, the Dorset adult community education service, was able to provide the friendly and well-qualified tutors, as well as covering transport costs such as taxi or bus fares if needed.

Coming to the lessons also enables them to meet and make friends with other students, they said, so support for each other spreads that way too.

Halyna, another student, said: “It’s very friendly, there’s good connection between the teacher and the others in the class.

“Many thanks for this opportunity. It is so important for us to be able to speak.”
Skills & Learning is now launching a new more extensive programme of adult education classes in north Dorset, including ESOL and much more, in the autumn.

They are also recruiting new ESOL, art, IT and maths tutors, as well as ESOL learning support assistants. Find out more at www.skillsandlearningace.com/about/working-for-us or send your CV to businesssupport@salbcp.com.