The Community research project – education and training
for people who have English as an additional language.
Seven community research volunteers from the Community Learning
Service have completed their project researching the education and
training needs of people who live in North Somerset who have
English as an additional language.
On 12 May 2009 at the Royal Hotel in Weston-super-Mare they
presented the surveys’ findings, conclusions and recommendations to
an audience of 50 people, including local providers of education,
health, social services and community support.
Most of the volunteers originally come from countries outside of
the UK and wanted to help as they have personal experience of
living and working in the region whilst improving their English
skills. They were given a 12 week training course that enabled them
to conduct the research and report effectively on their
findings
The survey took place in November 2008. Researchers met people
in Weston-super-Mare and Clevedon town centres: left questionnaires
at workplaces, schools, community advice and support groups and at
classes where people were learning to speak English. They were
asked about what education and training they have received, the
reasons which have prevented them from taking it up, and what kinds
of courses they would like to do.
Here are some of the main findings:
- 215 people responded, speaking 40 different
languages.
- The largest group of respondents (29%) were Polish.
- 64% of respondents have lived in the UK for 5 years or
less.
- 71% of respondents were employed.
- 55% had participated in education or training in the last 5
years.
- 83% of respondents want to improve their English speaking
skills.
- 53% said there are barriers that stop them from joining courses
– for example, cost, childcare and their level of
English.
Project leader JP Evans said: “We had a great response from the
public; mainly because the researchers have knowledge and personal
experience of a lot of the issues in question, and we were often
able to speak to people in their own language.
The findings show there is a far higher demand to learn to speak
English in North Somerset than there are classes available.
Also, many people are unable to attend courses due to cost,
childcare needs, or not being available as they work shifts.
At Community Learning we will use this information to provide a
service more able to meet the needs of local people. We hope
that other service providers - especially those who offer courses
for adults - will also find this information useful”.
The full Community Research
report is now available. If
you would like a paper copy of the report, or further
information contact
the Community
Research Team .
