ROTHERHAM LEARNING CENTRE SPREADS THE WORD

L-R: Members of the Romany Gypsy
Community, Julius and Ida Rudec, with
ESOL tutor Jenny Allen.

Learners of all ages in the gypsy community have completed English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) courses thanks to the proactive approach of a learning centre in Rotherham.

Staff at The Unity Centre, the largest multi-cultural centre in Rotherham, noticed an increasing need for translation services to support the Romany Gypsy Community who originate from the Czech Republic and whose first language is Czech.

The LSC has provided funding and support to the Centre through its Neighbourhood Learning in Deprived Communities Fund (NLDCF). The NLDCF was introduced to support local voluntary and community sector organisations to develop and deliver learning opportunities for residents of disadvantaged neighbourhoods.

The Unity Centre's course tutor followed the Skills for Life Curriculum as well as responding to the specific requirements of the group. Staff were keen to offer a very practical course so that participants went away with an understanding of key vocabulary used on a day-to-day basis; for example, when they go shopping, job hunting or looking for a place to live.

Colleen Allen, general manager at the Unity Centre, said the 12-week course filled a gap in the market. Colleen commented: "Although there were other beginner's English classes, for example those which are an hour a week, there wasn't anything that offered an intensive period of learning. Our first programme through NLDCF began with 18 members of the Romany Gypsy Community and since then a further 36 learners have signed up to ESOL programmes we now offer."

Bob Johnson, partnership director for the LSC in Rotherham, added:" By focusing the use of NLDC funding, we have provided a real opportunity to prepare adults from disadvantaged areas for sustainable employment by developing their skills and knowledge and helping them to obtain an accredited qualification."

Following the successful engagement of the community, a Children's Youth Forum has been set up specifically for this particular group which enables engagement of very young children and the 14-19 age group.