English Language Partners help people to settle in New Zealand
One of the biggest barriers for new migrants to successful resettlement is language. English Language Partners work to help people improve their English skills and build their confidence.
Susan Trodden is the Centre Manager for English Language Partners, Waikato. She says that the English language classes teach English for work and everyday life in New Zealand.
“We teach learners about workplace culture and language and include real life experiences to give practical application to their learning. We help new Kiwis learn the English that they need to participate and live independent lives.”
“The classes are suitable for those who are in work or looking for work, we can help with career development” says Susan.
Reem Hassan is now a teacher working with English Language Partners. She is from Egypt and has been in New Zealand for five years. She started working as a volunteer teacher in 2016, did her studies in New Zealand, and is now in part time employment as a teacher for English Language Partners. Reem has a class who meet Monday to Friday, made up with students from all over the world. These classes develop the students’ English language skills, and also provide an opportunity to meet friends.
One of these students, Dhammasiri Thero Rev R. is a buddhist Monk from Sri Lanka who has lived in New Zealand for two years. He joined English Partners at the end of last year (2020). All his family still live in Sri Lanka, and he lives in Eureka, in the Waikato with his Buddhist teacher. Dhammasiri says that his reason for coming to New Zealand was for religious purposes – so that he could share his religion and Buddhist culture.
“I want to share my religion with Kiwi people, so English Language Partners is helping me to improve in English. I have also done a lot of self-study through You Tube”, says Dhammasiri.
Dhammasiri would like to do a tertiary course, studying counselling.
“I see counselling as close to monk life, mindfulness is very important”, he says.
Another student, Ah Sha Bi is from Myanmar. She has been in New Zealand for three years and is an amazing cook. She learnt English here in New Zealand and has been with English Language Partner for two years. At first, she had a home tutor, but when she was ready and her English had improved, she started coming to class. She spoke about the difficulties settling into New Zealand, especially not knowing the language.
“It was very difficult to settle. I did not have a licence and had to catch a bus everywhere. There were a lot of tears at first. But it is much better now. I have friends now in New Zealand”, Ah Sha says.
Another student is Ah Sha’s husband, Ha Nif Nay. He is also from Myanmar, and has lived here for three years. He met his wife while they were in Thailand where he was a builder and had a shoe shop. He can speak four different languages, and says he wants to be a builder here in New Zealand.
“I want to work here but need to study English so that I can get a job here as a builder,” Ha Nif says.
Classes meet everyday to develop the English needs of living in our local communities. English Language Partners hold day and evening classes, in person and online, and some weekend short courses.
English Language classes are held in Hamilton, Tokoroa, Matamata, Cambridge and Te Awamutu. Home tutors are based all over the region. Online classes are available for anyone in NZ that meets the residency eligibility criteria.
Migrants and former refugees can access the services of English Language Partners to support them to become better speakers of English. They also welcome fluent English speakers to become home tutors.
To find out more about English Language Partners Waikato visit https://www.englishlanguage.org.nz/.
Kim Cable
Marketing and Communications Manager at Community Waikato