We’re raising funds for our ESOL classes – please consider donating at the link below!
In partnership with the SadiqScholarship fund, the IWGB has been providing fully funded classes for our members since July 2016. Our project helps those who too often fall through the cracks: in full-time employment they do not qualify for Government funded classes, yet as low-paid workers they can ill afford private lessons. Working shifts means they cannot commit to a normal class timetable either. Those who have paid for lessons report large class sizes and only around 2 hours of classroom contact hours per week.
ESOL classes at the IWGB are small to promote close observation and interaction with each individual. Classes are held at evenings and weekends to help balance busy work schedules, with 6 hours of classroom time each week. Learning doesn’t just take place in the classroom however, which is why we hold lessons outside in the real world too. Learners have booked restaurants over the phone and visited them as a group, and this summer our learners are going away on a weekend immersion trip to the Cotswolds.
“This English course I have had has been very good and interesting, helping me to learn and improve my written and spoken English. I feel very happy and very fortunate for this great opportunity that I have had” – Maritza, President of the UoL Branch of the IWGB
In just one year the learners have advanced an entire level on the Qualifications and Credit Framework, going from E1 to E2. One learner has commented that the lessons have “given me the opportunity to lose the fear of communicating” and helped “when shopping, travelling and at appointments with my doctor”. Another learner has her eye set on attending university in the UK to study for a role in healthcare. As we move forward, the IWGB is committed to ensuring that these classes continue, supporting members to achieve their full potential. To do this we need your help! With lessons held at the IWGB office we are fortunate not to need to cover room hire costs. We are looking to cover teacher costs of £1200 total for the next term.
Independent Workers Union of Great Britain - Universities of London Branch 