THE North West Migrants Forum is delighted to welcome two new volunteer English tutors to its ranks.
Martha McClelland and Rebecca McMonagle join Helen Warby and Liam Burns in offering lessons to those seeking asylum, refugees, international students and others who now call Derry home.
Gaëlle Gormley is the charity’s Community Integration and Welfare Officer.
She said, “It is a real joy for us to have two such motivated and lovely tutors joining us in Martha and Rebecca.
“There is a great need for English classes among our members, particularly those who have only recently arrived in Northern Ireland.
“Having these additional classes will really help them as they start to find their feet and build their independence.”
While originally from California, Martha McClelland has lived in Derry for over 50 years.
Rebecca McMonagle is from the city and works as a data analyst with the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service.
On why she decided to volunteer with the Migrants Forum, Rebecca said, “I was looking for a place where people might need help with learning English. I contacted the Migrants Forum and asked if they needed any assistance. Gaëlle asked me if I would be interested in running a class and I said yes.
“The Forum is a really worthwhile project and I’m looking forward to being part of it.”
Having Martha and Rebecca on board means the North West Migrants Forum will be able to offer English lessons three days per week, not including Liam Burns’ Pop Up English which is on hold now until January.
Martha will teach conversational English for women only every Monday from 10am to 11am.
Likewise, Rebecca will teach a women only class each Wednesday, 10am to 11am.
Helen Warby’s class is open to everyone and is suitable for beginners. It runs every Thursday evening, 5pm to 7pm.
Gaëlle Gormley added, “Helen has been with us for several months and she has helped our members come on in leaps and bounds.
“Her generosity along with Martha and Rebecca will allow us to expand our language class provision and assist those who simply want to make a life for themselves, having fled war, persecution, famine and disaster.”
All English classes are open to the public and do not require pre-registration. Keep up to date with all the North West Migrants Forum news via the website www.nwmf.org.uk or on social media.
AT A GLANCE…
Conversational English with Martha McClelland: Mondays, 10am to 11am (Women only)
English with Rebecca McMonagle: Wednesdays, 10am to 11am (Women only)
English for beginners with Helen Warby: Thursdays, 5pm to 7pm (Open to everyone)