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Ukrainian ESOL awards

Attendees at Ukrainian ESOL awards.

An award ceremony for Ukrainians who completed an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) course was hosted by Bedford Borough Council.

An intensive summer school was delivered collaboratively by pbic.org.uk and The Bedford College Group, from which students have progressed on to a range of other courses or into employment.

Dave Hodgson, Mayor of Bedford Borough said:
“Ukrainian students, helped by Bedford College and PBIC, have embraced the courses and seen huge improvement of their English skills. We are very proud to support these students.”

High Sheriff Lady Jane Clifford said she was:

“Delighted to be here to present these awards to our friends from the Ukraine. We can only imagine how traumatic it has been for you to leave your homes and make a new life here.”

Attendees at Ukrainian ESOL awards.
Pride in our students

Bedford College’s Head of Adult English, Maths and ESOL, Karike de Klerk added:

“Some 80 people completed the course over the summer, an intensive six week course covering what is usually taught in nine months. We are incredibly proud of all the students.”

During the ceremony several Ukrainian students gave speeches thanking the organisers:

“Thank you, your country, Bedford Borough Council, PBIC and Bedford College for taking care of my compatriots and for such an opportunity for learning English. It made us more confident in our everyday communication and adaptation to a new country. Ukrainian people are very responsible, and we promise to do our best. We are happy to study here.”

“Thank you and all British people for such a great opportunity of learning English. It’s a big step in our development in Great Britain. We are also grateful to PBIC and Polish School for the opportunity to organise the Ukrainian Saturday School.”

“Thank you, PBIC and Bedford College and our teachers for this amazing course. We are so happy to have the opportunity to study, develop and find a job in GB.”

Anyone wanting to learn or improve their English can get help to do so via:

The Bedford ESOL Advice Service website
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