Ukrainian Community Support

Each Tuesday evening Tonbridge School pupils and staff work with Ukrainian Refugees charity Tonbridge Welcomes Refugees (TWR)to practise conversational English with the adults as well as homework support for the children.

We provide space for TWR to run English lessons on a Monday and Friday throughout term time.

As well as hosting information evenings and social get togethers for the refugee community

Aims

To provide an environment that allows Ukrainian families to meet each other and share their experiences. To help them grow in confidence in spoken English. To provide Tonbridge pupils the chance to lead sessions in language skills.

Background

Following the outbreak of the Ukrainian war we teamed with Tonbridge Welcomes Refugees to make sure we were offering the right support to the right people. We kicked off with a large event for refugees in May 2021, this was a chance for hosts and the families staying with them to get information from the council, police and local charities.

From that our weekly social evenings started that allowed visitors to have an evening with fellow Ukrainians. From those the conversational English classes developed and are still going.

Resources

EAL resources prepared by TS staff, a venue, TS pupils and staff members. Presents and food supplied for Christmas party and other events throughout the year.

Impact

We regularly have 20 adults from the Ukrainian Community in attendance, plus children. Pupil volunteers show increased confidence and have developed teaching and planning skills. Pupil volunteers show greater awareness of issues relating to migrants and refugees and are increasingly vocal in advocating for them.

Pupil Involvement

10 pupils at Tonbridge School regularly volunteer for the project

Frequency

Every Tuesday evening during term time