Providing English lessons to refugees

‘The Learning Station Project’, set up by Lola Siran and Emma Yagour, who are both studying English Law and French law at King’s,  offers English and French classes to asylum seekers and refugees in a relaxed and welcoming environment. Classes are held at King’s every Monday from 6pm to 9pm and students come mainly from Sudan, Syria and Eritrea.

In the first six months, attendance has risen to 50 students who regularly attend the Monday lessons and word-of-mouth has allowed more students to discover the classes. Students are split into different groups, depending on their level of English and each group is taught by a King’s volunteer.

Visits to exciting London attractions and football matches are also organised periodically.

Lola and Emma created the project after volunteering at drop-in sessions in London and in the Calais Jungle. Speaking to refugees, they found out that acquiring language was essential to their integration and understanding of the complicated legal procedure they had to go through.

The great work of The Learning Station Project has been recognised by King’s and they recently received the King’s Community Fund. The £2,400 donated by King’s Alumni has helped to cover travel costs and materials.

Lola and Emma said: ‘More than a class, we like to think that Monday evenings are also a time of laughter, sharing of cultures and happiness. But they are not the only ones benefitting from the class; our students have taught us so much and we deeply admire them for their courage, strength and determination. We are grateful for our volunteering team who work hard to keep the project alive.’

 

To find out more about The Learning Station Project, check out their Facebook page here.