Supporting Fife College ESOL students in their search for conversation buddies

We met with the President of Wellbeing and Equity at Fife College’s Student Association, Elvira, and sought her insights on the college students’ needs and enquiries for support. We learned about the “I Can Speak” Language Club for ESOL students (English for Speakers of Other Languages) which takes place at Fife College Kirkcaldy Campus on Tuesday and Thursday evenings (4-6pm). The club is aiming to address the ESOL students’ feedback that they wish to practice speaking English in an informal setting. Elvira is keen to welcome people who would be interested to volunteer their time and have simple conversations with the students, to help them practice their English vocabulary and support them in building their confidence in communicating in English.

From our engagements with people whose first language is not English, we know that experiencing language barrier often makes people feel isolated and lonely, which impacts on their health and wellbeing. The lack of English can also present barriers to accessing information and seeking support, as such FCE works with our partners promoting inclusive communications and planning for language support as part of their reasonable adjustments’ allocations.

If you would like to learn more about inclusive communications, please check our Accessibility Briefing. If you would like to take part in our inclusive Get Together events check our Events page and/or join one of our networks - Fife Inclusion Network or Fife Common Grounds Network. And if you are happy to join the ESOL students at their “I Can Speak” Language Club and keen to help them practice their conversational English, feel free to get in touch with Elvira at elvirasurovtseva@fife.ac.uk or contact our team at the contact details below.

Address: Fife Centre for Equalities, New Volunteer House, 16 East Fergus Place, Kirkcaldy, KY1 1XT.

Phone: 01592 645 310

E-mail: info@centreforequalities.org.uk

Website: centreforequalities.org.uk