Helping New Scots to settle into life in
Scotland.
Refugees, people seeking asylum and other forced migrants in
Glasgow are benefitting from English classes to help them
integrate into communities, supported by £500,000 in Scottish
Government funding which will help 800 learners.
The classes are helping people who have been forced to flee their
country gain the language skills needed to rebuild their lives in
Scotland, communicate confidently with people in their new
communities and establish and strengthen their social
connections.
On a visit to Glasgow Clyde College, Equalities Minister met people who are
benefitting from the classes.
Equalities Minister said:
“Scotland has a proud history of welcoming people of all
nationalities and faiths, including those seeking sanctuary from
war and persecution. We're committed to helping those who find
refuge in Scotland to settle into their new communities.
“As a refugee or a person seeking asylum whose first language is
not English, having the opportunity to learn English opens up a
world of possibilities – from being able to interact confidently
with people, to taking part in community events and making new
friends. Learning English will also make the process of finding
work easier, which I know is a key priority for many New Scots.”
“It was great to visit Glasgow Clyde College to meet some of the
people who are benefitting from these classes and hear about the
real difference that language skills are making to their lives.”
Karzan Mahmood from Iraq said:
“Learning English has meant everything to me. When I was in my
country I couldn't go to school or college. When I came here I
actually couldn't write a word. I started in a class for
beginners. The teachers have been brilliant, really helpful,
unbelievable. Now I can write paragraphs, formal and informal
emails, everything like that. I'm in the Intermediate class now.
Next year I want to go to Upper Intermediate and then look for
work in IT or accounting.”
Sohail Siraj from Pakistan said:
“I am nearly halfway through my Higher English (ESOL) lessons at
Glasgow Clyde College and so far it's been an amazing experience
with a great learning environment. The teacher himself has a very
calm and cool manner and I love the way he teaches, always
motiving and at the same time testing your limits. I love every
minute of my time spent here and I wish there were more than two
classes a week. Being there simply lifts my spirits and motivates
me to do more.”
Nataliia Yanishevska from Ukraine said:
"Participating in the Higher English (ESOL) course at Clyde
College has been incredibly beneficial for both my volunteering
activities and daily life. The course improved my confidence in
communicating effectively in English, enabling me to lead
workshops and engage with diverse groups. It also strengthened my
skills for everyday interactions and professional growth."
Background
The Scottish Government £500,000 funding has been provided to
Glasgow ESOL Partnership (led by Glasgow Clyde College, together
with Glasgow Kelvin College, City of Glasgow College, Glasgow
Life, ESOL Scotland and the WEA) to address the increasing levels
of need for ESOL provision in the city.
The 2025/26 Scottish Draft Budget seeks to ensure that we can
continue our support for New Scots next financial year, helping
refugees and people seeking asylum to settle into communities
across Scotland.
