THE North West Migrants Forum will be able to put an even greater focus on helping its members learn English following the granting of €10,000 from Bank of Ireland’s Begin Together Community Fund in partnership with Community Foundation for Ireland.
Language proficiency is a vital tool for refugees and those seeking asylum when it comes to education and gaining employment.
At present the North West Migrants Forum offers lessons twice a week – ‘Pop-Up English’ on a Tuesday and a full two-hour session on a Thursday evening.
But the awarding of €10,000 from the Begin Together Fund will allow it to go even further.
The Derry-based charity applied for grant support with a number of main aims. Among them:
- To provide tailored English language classes that enhance language skills, enabling individuals to communicate effectively in their daily lives and access essential services.
- To remove barriers to participation so that all participants, including those living outside Derry city centre, can access education and community engagement opportunities.
- To build the confidence of service users in communicating with community members and service providers, thereby reducing feelings of isolation and promoting a sense of belonging.
Integration and Welfare Officer with the North West Migrants Forum, Gaëlle Gormley, said the charity was enormously grateful to Bank of Ireland for looking favourably on the funding application. Mrs Gormley added that the money will help on several fronts, including improved mental health, stronger community cohesion and enhanced volunteer development.
“Our project addresses the critical and growing needs of many of the 250 people seeking asylum in Derry, hailing from non-English speaking countries, who face significant mental health challenges and struggle to navigate complex legal and community systems.
“The rise in anti-immigrant sentiment further complicates their integration, as misconceptions persist about people seeking asylum being dangerous, unwilling to work or burdening public services.
“By empowering them with English language skills, we facilitate their integration into the community, enabling them to engage in conversations with the public and their new neighbours.
“This active participation helps demystify misconceptions and fosters a more inclusive community.
“Effective communication is crucial for accessing services, securing employment and participating in community life, which are essential for improving mental health and overall well-being.
“Additionally, our project will address the needs of well-settled refugees who arrived without English language skills and are still struggling to access services or gain employment.
“We currently run informal, non-accredited English classes facilitated by passionate volunteers for individuals seeking protection or granted international protection. But the generosity of Bank of Ireland through its Begin Together fund will enable us to enhance our offerings by providing more tailored support through specialised training for volunteers and the procurement of appropriate learning resources.
“Given the increasing demand in Derry and the pressing need to support both new and well-settled refugees in overcoming barriers to integration, our project is essential,” Mrs Gormley added.
Congratulating the North West Migrants Forum on its successful application, Chief Executive of Community Foundation Ireland, Denise Charlton, said, “We are proud to partner with Bank of Ireland on the Begin Together Fund to promote equality for all.
“The North West Migrants Forum is turning this mission into real actions on the ground in communities. Breaking down barriers on language, access to school and work as well as promoting a sense of belonging are key for migrants and the communities in which they live. Transforming lives is central to the work of the Forum and Community Foundation Ireland is proud to be a part of that effort.”
You can keep up to date with all the North West Migrants Forum’s work via its website, www.nwmf.org.uk or on its social media platforms.
