Supporting Free English learning in Oxford
I love the diversity of Oxford, it’s one of the first things that struck me about the city when I moved here two years ago. I remember the first time I walked down the Cowley Road being so excited by the different cuisines offered by restaurants and the product variety available from the multiple grocers dotted along the road. Unsurprisingly, with its academic reputation, the city has a strong history of attracting people from around the world to its doorstep and, whether it’s for work or study, the coming and going of Oxford’s residents has contributed to a richly vibrant city. Oxford’s population is even increasing in international diversity- between 2001 and 2011 there was a 9% increase in the number of people living in Oxford who were born outside the UK.
The 2011 Census showed that 16% of the Oxford population had a main language that was not English- that’s twice the national average! Thousands of Oxford residents struggle with little to no English. This means making Oxford feel like home is a big challenge. Lacking good English can lead to feeling isolated; it hugely restricts someone’s ability to take part in their community; access services or find work. It can often have a knock on effect on any children in the home who may need help with homework, for example.
English lessons in Oxford are about £250 for 10 weeks, a significant cost for many. During the Living Wage Campaign in 2007 it became apparent that the cost of English classes was a concern of many university workers who did not have English as a first language. Out of this FELLOW Free English Language Lessons for Overseas Workers was established. FELLOW is open to anyone who wants support improving their English and it’s free. Learners don’t have to sign up for a course or pay anything.
The need for this provision in Oxford is clear and FELLOW is able to remain free because it is volunteer led and run. In the new year we’ll be starting new FELLOW sessions in Rose Hill. There are also classes throughout the week, Tues-Fri and Sun in the city centre. If you’re keen to get involved with the new sessions in Rose Hill or would like to volunteer in the classes that already run in the city centre, please get in touch with Lydia lydia@oxfordhub.org. You don’t need experience of teaching English.
