Reading Club
Can you donate books to support our English classes?
Every Thursday we host English classes for refugee friends. Our volunteer teacher Andrew, a retired headteacher, has been teaching English at the centre since July 2023.
These classes not only cover the basics of the English language, but also explores aspects of British culture. Learning English helps refugee friends engage with their communities, build confidence, and improve their life chances. Overcoming language barriers also assists refugee friends in accessing other vital services such as healthcare and legal support.
“English isn’t my first language, and I struggle. In comparison to other countries, there is little crossover between English and Kurdish. Without English, I can’t move forward. You have an appointment and go and meet your solicitor, but nothing gets resolved. Its very frustrating.” – Samuel*, refugee friend
“I am grateful for the English Lessons at JRS UK as I know I am improving and can move forward with my application to the Home Office” - Jack
Learning English is also important so that people have a greater understanding of their circumstances in relation to immigration law, and will be able to access rights and entitlements they were not able to before. This puts our refugee friends in a better position to navigate their asylum claims.
“The ESOL classes gave me so much confidence” – Refugee friend
Even once someone has received refugee status, their situation is not always straightforward. Having good command of the English language will help refugee friends access employment and integrate into local communities once their immigration status is resolved.
“One of the most important things about the ESOL classes is that they are completely voluntary. Refugee friends come because they have a desire to learn to become better speakers and to learn more about life in the UK.” – Andrew, English teacher
Support our reading club!
We run a volunteer-led reading group after our Beginners and Intermediate/Advanced English classes. The reading group improves people’s language skills, access to literature, and confidence in public speaking. The reading group also encourages refugee friends to socialise as they discuss and analyse the books they are reading.
We are looking for donations of books to keep this club going. We are looking in particular for ‘junior fiction’ books.
Some suggestions – but we are also open to you sending us other good books!
-
Stuart Little by E. B. White
-
Mary Poppins by P L Travers
-
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, James and the Giant Peach, the Witches, Matilda, George’s Marvellous Medicine all by Roald Dahl – You can also buy a Collection of his books!
-
Short Stories in English (beginners) by Olly Richards
-
Short Stories in English (intermediate) by Olly Richards
-
The Girl who stole an Elephant by Nizrana Farook
-
Emil and the Detectives by Erich Kastner – Story based in Germany
-
Spirit Walker by Michelle Paver
-
The Chronicles of Narnia by CS Lewis (all 7 Volumes)
Order the books here on our Amazon wishlist
Or donate to our fundraiser so we can buy the books ourselves:
