Launch of ESOL Access Register

A pioneering initiative to make it easier for non-English speakers to access language classes across the city has been launched at Glasgow Clyde College.

Southside Central Councillor and Executive Member for Citizens and Communities Soryia Siddique and Johann Lamont MSP were among those who attended the launch to find out more about the ESOL Access Project and meet students that are currently benefitting from ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) classes in Glasgow.

ESOL courses are specifically designed to help settle non-native speakers and increase their confidence in everyday life through improving their understanding of the English language. Research in 2015 highlighted that there was a very clear need for a simpler registration process to be implemented in Glasgow. As a result, the ESOL Access Project, which allows potential students to register an interest in taking classes and be informed when places become available, was funded by both Glasgow City Council’s Integrated Grant Fund and the Scottish Government.

The project is being run as a partnership between Glasgow Clyde College, City of Glasgow College, Glasgow Kelvin College, Glasgow ESOL Forum, Glasgow Life and Workers Educational Association, all of which are ESOL providers. It is also being supported by Glasgow City Council.

Councillor Siddique said: ”One of the most important things in forging a new life in a new country is learning the language – it greatly accelerates a person’s settling in process and we want to help make that as smooth as possible. Through making it easier to access English classes and related information we are also hopefully helping people to unlock their potential and contribute to our city.”

To register online visit www.learnesolglasgow.com.