Press Release

Migrant Workers Complete English Language and Local Orientation Programme

15th December 2009

40 migrant workers are celebrating after completing an innovative English Language and Local Orientation Programme, which was coordinated by Derry City Council’s Community Relations Officers and included Language classes delivered by the Foyle Language School and SEEDS.

Local migrant workers who received certificates from the Mayor for successful completion of Derry City Council’s ‘English Language and Local Awareness’ Project

The initiative was launched by the Mayor in September and has seen migrants from a range of backgrounds complete 10 weeks of English language classes. To coincide with the end of those lessons, participants spent Saturday 12th December visiting several cultural venues to learn about local history and culture in order that they can better relate to the communities that they live in.

Mayor Councillor Paul Fleming with Tutors from Foyle Language School presenting a certificate to one of the project participants

The day was rounded off when the successful participants were presented with certificates by the Mayor, who offered his congratulations. “I am delighted that the participants have finished their English language lessons and have enjoyed improved communication skills as a result. They have also learned a lot from their Local Orientation day and gained a better understanding of the cultural history of the city they now live in. I look forward to the continued contribution these migrants can make to our city and hope this process has been beneficial to them”.

The project was funded through the District Council’s Community Relations Programme (CRU-OFMDFM) and is part of Derry City Council’s Good Relations Strategy.

Sue Divin, Community Relations Officer with Derry City Council worked to co-ordinate the initiative and is pleased with the results. “We are delighted with the success of the project and the participants have told us they have found it very worthwhile. Given the success, we hope to repeat the course again in 2010 if the demand is still there”.

For further information on the programme please contact Sue Divin at sue.divin@derrycity.gov.uk, or go to www.derrycity.gov.uk/communityservices

Ends

Press Office

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