South Ayrshire Council staff from the Learning Shop in Ayr are running evening courses at Ayr College to let people whose first language is not English learn basic English.

Recently there has been a significant increase in the number of Europeans who are seeking work in South Ayrshire, however, some of these people either do not speak English at all or their English is very poor.  The intensive classes should help people to settle more easily in South Ayrshire and fit into the local communities.

Councillor Pam Paterson, the Convener of the Council’s Lifelong Learning Committee said:  “The people who choose to attend this English ‘starter’ course will gain new skills that will be very useful for them.  It must be very hard to ask for the simplest things in a shop or at work if you do not have the right words.  I hope that all the participants of these evening courses will use them as a springboard for their education and go on to complete further courses and improve their skills.”

The course participants attend four 90 minute evening class sessions a week for two weeks in Ayr College, giving them 12 hours tuition in total.  Each session has a theme such as ‘Finding a Job’, ‘Food’ or ‘Finding Accommodation.  The aim of the course is to make the students familiar with the basic English vocabulary they need in order to survive and thrive.  Working as a group, the students learn the meaning and pronunciation of key words and phrases. The classes also provide an opportunity for participants to make friends and build their confidence.

After two weeks the students can then consider joining a ‘Conversation Class’, provided by the Workers Education Association, in The Learning Shop in Ayr.  The classes are held on Wednesday evenings between 5.30 pm and 7 pm and allow the students to continue practising their English.  Some students may choose to sign up for an ESOL (English as a Second or Other Language) Course at Ayr College. 

The classes are run on a very regular basis so if you know anyone who would like to sign up ask them to visit The Learning Shop, 2 New Bridge Street, Ayr or telephone Maggie free on 0800 3898320.  Alternatively anyone can make enquiries on behalf of a friend or colleague who would like to take part in language classes.

February 2007