ESOL students celebrate achivements at awards ceremony
There was an air of celebration at Hackney Empire this month as 140 people received certificates for achievements and progress made over the past year in English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) courses.
Hundreds of residents have attended ESOL courses over the past year, which helps people access further education and improve prospects for employment.
The Speaker of Hackney, Cllr Rosemary Sales and Cllr Carole Williams, Cabinet Member for Employment Skills and Human Resources, attended the event to give out the awards and congratulate course graduates.
Hackney has been shaped by people from all over the world, it is great to share in the joy and achievement of those who are learning. I hope this can be beginning of an education journey for many people here today.
The classes took place in accessible venues across the borough, including children’s centres, primary schools, a library and a museum.
Hackney Learning Trust’s Adult Education team work closely with schools, children’s centres and community organisations to encourage residents with limited language skills to come forward, and, where available, provides crèche facilities for those with young children.
Silvia Brunetta, originally from Italy who now lives in Hackney Central, attended the award ceremony to receive her ESOL level 1 certificate, which she achieved in Summer 2016. She is now studying for an advanced GCSE certificate in English. As she accepted a special commendation for outstanding achievement, she told everyone: “working hard works!”
To join an ESOL class, potential students need to attend an ESOL advice session, where an adviser will check their level of English before helping them find a class which will best suit their needs. Advice sessions take place regularly at five venues across Hackney. For more information call 020 8820 7043, email esol@learningtrust.co.uk or visit www.learningtrust.co.uk/esol.