Local language provides fresh eyes for Kiwi refugees

17 June 2011

Kiwis abroad know learning a little of the local language can make daily life easier. However, for many refugees it’s an essential step in the process of rebuilding their lives in a new country.

A major refugee settlement agency has taken a closer look at refugees learning English after they arrive in New Zealand.

‘Focus on Refugee Learners’ provides a rare insight into where and how refugees learn English here,” said Nicola Sutton, Chief Executive of English Language Partners New Zealand. “There are over 23 refugee ethnic groups learning English with our organisation.”

English Language Partners, a major fixture on the landscape of refugee resettlement for over 35 years, worked with over 7,900 learners, of whom 1,342 were refugees in 2010.

“While refugee support is a long-established central plank of the organisation, several factors make this the perfect time to report on our refugee activities,” said Ms Sutton.

The government is currently developing New Zealand’s Refugee Resettlement Strategy in collaboration with non-government organisations. ‘Focus on Refugee Learners’ will inform to the Ministry of Education’s work around refugee access to English language services.

Refugee organisations have also articulated the need for clear information about the services available.

“Government doesn’t purchase English language services specifically for refugees, and how funding is spent can be elusive [to the public]. We’re giving communities information about the services we’re proud to provide for refugees,” said Ms Sutton.

2011 also marks the 60th anniversary of the United Nations Convention on Refugees.

“Without doubt, the timing is appropriate. At the heart of our work is a desire to advance a relationship with our learner communities based on partnership, accountability and taking responsibility for successful outcomes,” said Ms Sutton.

In 2010, the organisation invested $1.4 million in services for refugee learners, equating to just over 33% of total programme funding.
Burmese learners (313) were the largest refugee ethnic group followed by Afghans (162), Somalis (113) and Cambodians (91). Other major groups included Ethiopian, Lhotsampan, Iraqi and Columbian learners.

Of English Language Partners’ 22 centres, the Auckland centres had the highest number of refugee learners (487), followed by Wellington (211) and Christchurch (145).

When comparing refugees to non-refugee learners, the Nelson centre, had the largest percentage, with more than half their learners refugees (54%).

The report revealed a quarter of all English Language Partners’ refugee learners were ‘preliterate’ (not literate in their own language). A further 42% were literate in their own language, but beginners in English.

Fifty per cent work with a volunteer tutor in their homes for one-to-two hours a week. “However, they often need more provision, as refugees typically have low levels of English and may have missed out on mainstream schooling,” said Ms Sutton.

A specialist ‘ESOL-Literacy programme’ designed to help preliterate learners, was last year accessed by 44% of refugees opting to learn English through the organisation’s group learning programmes.

With continued high levels of migration and static funding levels, clarity around organisational priorities is vital.

“Effective service delivery is key in tough times, said Ms Sutton, “By drawing down on our experience, we believe we can improve our own work and offer something valuable to others.”

The report is supplementary to English Language Partners New Zealand’s annual report and is available on their website
http://www.englishlanguage.org.nz/news/news/nr1306717211.html

ENDS

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