A summer program for refugees with a focus on English and employability skills will be organised this year at the University of Nottingham by Bayswater Foundation, the charity arm of Baywater Education, as part of its one-for-one model.
The institution is now recruiting applicants in collaboration with refugee organisations in Nottingham and around the UK, and organising a fundraising drive to help fund places on the program for 100 refugees.
“It is the responsibility of international education providers to make English language training and higher education accessible”
Reports from the Refugee Council and Refugee Support Network highlight how refugees find it very hard to access support with their English language skills, Bayswater explained.
With only an estimated 1% of refugees accessing higher education worldwide, the international education sector has an important role to play, Baywater director and co-founder James Herbertson told The PIE.
“It is the responsibility of international education providers to make English language training and higher education accessible for all,” he said.
Scheduled to take place between 29 July and 12 August, the program will include English and academic skills classes, workshops on CV writing and confidence building, and guest speakers from local businesses and cultural activities.
It will be aimed at two groups: teenage refugees enrolled in secondary education and adults who may already have university education in their home country but wish to return to full time study or work.
“I hope it will be a springboard for attendees, helping them to connect with university contacts, services in the higher education sector and potential employers,” Herbertson added.
The program will include accommodation, food, activities as well as pastoral support from the Bayswater welfare team.
This is the second project for Bayswater Foundation, after the launch of the collaboration with NGO Mais Caminhos organising English language courses in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Those interested in getting involved in the program or support the fundraising drive can get in touch with project manager Jessica Dunks at foundation@bayswater.ac
