A review of our ESOL Programme: the value of education and communication

We’ve recently carried out a review of our ESOL Programme over the last 3.5 years. You can download the report here: KLS ESOL Programme – Evaluation report 2019-2023 (March 23)

We have a strong track record of providing ESOL community courses since 1999. We provide free English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) courses for migrant and refugee communities in Wandsworth. This enables our students to improve their English literacy and language across the four skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing. We significantly revitalised our ESOL and adult education offer from 2014 and have not looked back.

We now support around 100 adult learners each year. And have another 30 people or so on a waiting list, such is the demand.

Our students live on low incomes and in poverty, struggle with English and to integrate into the wider local community. The vast majority are women (90%+). Our youngest student is 21 and eldest 71 years old. The average age is 39. They come from 31 different nationalities. Most are from refugee communities.

We work with our students to:

• Improve their English literacy and language skills across speaking, listening, reading and writing.
• Increase their confidence by using their new English skills in ‘real life’, out in the community.
• Reduce isolation by making better connections through new friendships and relationships. Their children have also got to know one another through their time in the crèche.
• Be able to better support their children with their homework, education and relationship with local schools. Many students reported being more engaged in their children’s education e.g. attending parents evening and being able to engage with teachers more.
• Progress into further education and employment.

Many have also:

• Increased their involvement in other community organisations. Our students are more involved with, for example, their children’s schools, faith organisations, community centres, migrant support charities etc., because they are developing their English skills, which in turn has improved their confidence and self-esteem.
• Got through the pandemic. It has been a difficult time for our students. We have been able to support each other through this crisis.
• Increased participation with local partnerships. Students are using the connections KLS has fostered with other charities and partners and are getting involved in other projects in the local area.

There are lots of examples, statistics, quotes and stories about our members in the report. Please have a read and let us know what you think. We’re currently applying to the National Lottery and a number of charitable trusts to continue this much needed work into the future.

Download a copy
Have a read of the report here: KLS ESOL Programme – Evaluation report 2019-2023 (March 23)

Let us know what you think by writing to [email protected]