| Date -24 Jul 2008 | Return to previous page |
An event is to take place in Elgin next month in recognition of the progress that migrant workers to the area have made in learning English and settling into the local community.
More than 170 learners and their families have benefited from the Moray ESOL Project - English for speakers of other languages - since it began in March.
The event, which will be held at Elgin Community Centre on Saturday, August 9 from 11.30am to 3.30pm, is being organised by the project in conjunction with the Moray Community Planning Partnership and Moray College.
It will be a celebration of the achievements of migrant families in language learning and community integration and will provide them with a flavour of Moray's music, food and culture.
Since the project began free classes have been held throughout Moray, with free childcare provided where possible.
Three part-time community-based adult learning workers and a bank of experienced language tutors have been developing and promoting the project, with classes being delivered in a variety of settings including college outreach learning centres, libraries, community centres and the workplace.
Project co-ordinator Jim Maguire said: "Considerable research has been undertaken locally and nationally which highlights the social and economic benefits to Moray by integrating residents who do not have English as their first language.
"English lessons are only one strand of that integration process.
"All the partners are actively involved in the project and have developed a quality service which will impact positively on learners, their families and the communities they live in."
Anyone with an inquiry or seeking further information should call 01343 559309, text 07779 999222 or e-mail esol.clerical@moray.gov.uk