An academy in Manchester is playing a pivotal role in vastly improving the language skills of non-English speaking residents from all over the world.
The English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Academy, run by skills specialist Seetec Outsource, is aiming to decrease unemployment and create a course to help non-English speakers integrate into their communities and boost their job opportunities.
Since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, unemployment has risen to unprecedented highs – including a 2.6 percentage point increase in Manchester, bringing it up from 4.1% in March to 6.7% of the city’s working age population as of April 2020.
As well as increasing job opportunities, the course is keen to help its ESOL learners integrate into society, especially since lockdown has left many feeling isolated and alone; in turn affecting mental health.
The Academy said: “The deep-rooted values of the Skills Academy are aimed at empowering individuals across the community with the tools to achieve their work ambitions.”
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Lubna Abdelmoneim, mother of four, came from Sudan to Manchester last year and started the course in September.
She said: “I do this for job opportunities, but for my kids also, because I am learning here, now I have to keep up with them because my kids, they are learning fast.
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“I don’t want it to be like at some point different languages and I can’t understand what they are reading or what they are doing and then I can’t help them with their homework, so I would like to be able to help them. I want a better life.”
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As well as providing socially distanced face-to-face lessons during the week, the Academy has also given every ESOL learner a free tablet, with data and storage, as many may not have a home laptop or even a WiFi connection.
Tutor Nina Snelson said: “It’s about giving a bit more for them, so that they can learn more easily, rather than one; trying to learn a language, and then two; thinking I can’t do this because I can’t even see the screen.”
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Workbooks are also available to download for those without access to technology, and during the first national lockdown in March, Nina personally printed and posted workbooks to the learners in order to ensure that they were progressing.
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This course targets those who are aiming to improve themselves and their lives, and it is clear how important both the learning and the social interaction is for the people who attend.
Darko Cule, originally from Croatia, has lived in Ireland for the last four years, and moved to Manchester last year, where he found and lost a job in a short period of time due to the pandemic.
He said: “You don’t have anything to do you have to stay at home, and I don’t think this situation is good for anyone and I feel really good coming here every day Monday to Thursday, having a chat with my colleagues which I really like, jokes here, and it really helps.
“Especially because you learn something, English is not my first language you know and you can always improve and learn something new that will help you later.”
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Seetec Outsource
The lockdown caused issues for this course as it did across all educational settings, but the stakes were higher for these ESOL learners because many felt that their job prospects were hugely hindered until they had a stronger English Language base.
Michal Woszczyk is from Poland but has been a resident Mancunian for six years.
He realised his IT business was in trouble due to the pandemic and felt that he needed to improve his English skills in order to give his business the best chance to bounce back.
He said: “In the beginning it was very difficult for me to communicate with some customers because they did not feel very comfy when I spoke with them, but when I showed them how much experience I have, they trusted me. This is why I wanted to do this course.”
As well as his current IT business, Michal also has a history of tutoring in Poland in IT and graphic design, and he hopes to continue further down this career path upon the completion of the course.
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The community aspect of the courses on offer are essential; enabling people to sit in a room together and bond over a shared objective – which has a great impact on mental health but also helps to diminish prejudice and stigma.
Aiming to end stereotypes that surround many people who take this course was a key factor in why tutor Nina took this role.
She said: “As a British born individual I have a real problem with other individuals who have a negative opinion of people who can be considered an ESOL learner.
“They may be blamed for taking over certain aspects of the country etc, and it is something that I want to change.”
Nina encompasses everything that this course represents and every life-changing teacher that most of us have had, she is determined to help others make a positive change to their lives.
What is obvious about this course is that it is attended by people who are determined, intelligent and willing to learn in order to increase their chances at a better life.
Feature
Lantern Pike – the countryside walk with amazing views, an old railway line, and a great pub at the end
Daisy Jackson
If you’re looking for a country walk that’s got a bit of everything – we’re talking views, lakes, history, picturesque villages and, crucially, pints – this is the one.
Step across the Greater Manchester border into High Peak, and you can take on a circular walk that’s got it all.
The walk takes in all the best bits of the English countryside, from rolling hills to proper pubs.
Park in the village of Hayfield, with an optional stop at Marmalade Coffee Shop for a bacon sandwich and some caffeine.
Then head out west to join the Sett Valley Trail, which joins Hayfield and New Mills.
The trail itself is 2.5 miles and follows a former railway line – but now it’s a tree-lined trail that’s perfect for a gentle stroll, cycle or even horse ride.
Lantern Pike in the Peak District. Credit: The Manc GroupLantern Pike in the Peak District. Credit: The Manc Group
You’ll pass the Birch Vale reservoir, but won’t be following the trail all the way to New Mills.
Instead, turn off to the right to cross the River Sett and walk towards Sitch Lane.
The road will take you to the very edge of the Peak District ready for an uphill climb to the peak of Lantern Pike.
It’s not a giant by Peak District standards (373m compared to Kinder Scout’s 636m) but the views are 360 degrees – fields on all sides and the incredible Manchester skyline in the distance.
Walk straight over the summit and back down the other side, passing the Lantern Pike pub (we won’t judge if you pause for a pint here), cross the road, and join Snake Path.
This will take you past Twenty Trees, which is literally a group of trees standing on its own, and back into Hayfield.
Here you’ll find The Pack Horse, a country pub that’s gained some serious accolades in the last year.
Despite a top-notch menu, the pub is more than happy to welcome in customers (and dogs) who are covered in mud – as all good countryside boozers should.
You can see a map of the circular walking route at alltrails.com.
Featured image: The Manc Group
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Hairspray lands at the Palace Theatre, proving to audience members that you really can’t stop the beat
Oli Lowe
Energetic ensemble numbers, lavish costumes and stand-out performances: Hairspray welcomes everyone to the 60s in its latest tour production.
If you’re anything like me, you’ll hold very fond memories of the 2007 movie-musical version of Hairspray, a cinematic masterpiece that breathed new life into the already iconic musical. I bring this version of the show up because until last night it was my only experience of the story.
Yes, much to my shame, I had never seen a live production of the show but after coming out of the Palace Theatre last night, I can now say that Hairspray‘s latest tour production is just as fun-loving – and as free wheeling.
From start to finish, Hairspray is a vibrant, colourful, high-energy show which takes you on the journey of teenage misfit Tracey Turnblad as she deals with the struggles of pursuing her dreams, in the face of adversity and a 1960s America that seems determined to halt progression.
The entire cast gave stellar performances from leading lady Alexander Emmerson-Kirby in the role of Tracy, all the way through to the ensemble who constantly wooed me with brilliantly executed dance routines, filled to the brim with swinging-sixties dance moves.
I’d like to take a second to highlight some standout performances, which in my opinion elevated the show to new heights. Starting with Neil Hurst in the role of Edna Turnblad, Tracy’s ‘larger-than-life’ mum.
Neil was a constant comic relief throughout a show that whilst generally lighthearted does tackle some serious issues such as unrealistic female beauty standards and racial segregation.
Neil, alongside his comedic partner Dermot Canavan, gave a standout, belly-laugh performance of their duet ‘You’re Timeless To Me’. It truly had the audience in fits of laughter and lauded huge applause from the entire theatre.
On to Gina Murray as Velma Von Tussle and Michelle Ndegwa as ‘Motormouth’ Maybelle. Both gave superb renditions of their solo numbers and showcased their experience in every scene they were in.
Murray’s rendition of Miss Baltimore Crabs (still always caught off-guard by that name) was impressive, to say the least, with the performer delivering big and bold vocals, all whilst being held upside down by a group of the male cast.
Meanwhile, Michelle Ndegwa’s version of ‘I Know Where I’ve Been’ was spellbindingly beautiful. It carried with it the weight and severity of the number, all whilst delivering knock-out vocals that were filled to the brim with pain and suffering.
Hairspray Production Photos taken on 16th July 2024 in ManchesterStunning vocals all around.
Finally, a small shoutout to Reece Richards as Seaweed. Growing up (and occasionally to this day) I tried many times to stumble my way through Seaweed’s big number, ‘Run And Tell That’, and let me tell you from experience, that’s one damn hard song to sing…
Reece delivered the number expertly, all whilst dancing in a routine that even just watching, made me feel slightly exhausted. Props to Reece… One day I will nail that opening high note (I won’t).
All in all, Hairspray delights, delivering laughter, splendor, and high fuelled entertainment from start to finish – we’d consider a must-see if you’re a fan of the film, especially.
The show runs through till 27th July and with limited tickets still available, there’s no reason to not get yourself down and enjoy an evening of mesmerising, musical fun. You can grab yours HERE.
Hairspray Production Photos taken on 16 July 2024 at the Palace Theatre in ManchesterSeriously, give it a go.