Save ESOL local campaigning

News from around the country as UCU branches and campaign partners organise around the Save ESOL campaign.The Huddersfield Examiner reported the event, including interviews with students

19 September ESOL Day of Action

Newcastle upon Tyne

Staff and students at Newcastle College across all departments came together to write postcards and sign messages of protest. In just two hours campaigners collected over 350 postcards to send to the government. The group then took the campaign right to the heart of government - meeting Bill Rammell, Minister of State (Lifelong Learning, Further and Higher Education), Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (since 13 Jul 2007). He was in Newcastle and agreed to meet Save ESOL campaigners. Jon Bryan, lecturer at Newcastle College and UCU national executive member and Sabine Munro from Newcastle College ESOL department, met with Bill Rammell and read him some of the postcards. He listened to the strength of feeling that had been generated that day.

Jon Bryan said: 'It was a useful meeting where we were able to articulate our concerns about changes to ESOL funding and the impact it was having on the provision at Newcastle College. Mr Rammell stated that he wanted employers to pay more, and there was a clear difference in our beliefs as to whether employers would be willing to pay for migrant workers to learn English. We stated that employers don't have a good track record in this area of training and up-skilling.'

Click here for a report from north east and Cumbria UCU, with pictures.

Croydon

UCU members and students at Croydon College operated a lunchtime stall with a petition and got postcards signed to send to the local MP. They also produced a special information sheet aimed at ESOL learners to try to get them involved in the campaign.

Birmingham

UCU members from Digbeth and Moat Lane Centres of South Birmingham College and from City College Birmingham staffed an information stand near the Bull Ring, assisted by students. The team gave out leaflets and collected signatures on a petition to defend free ESOL classes. The evening finished with two ESOL classes of students joining in.

Stockton-on Tees

In the evening, a 'Don't Lose ESOL' meeting took place in Stockton-on Tees. Jon Bryan and Dave O'Toole (Branch Chair, Newcastle College UCU) both spoke at the meeting about the need for free ESOL classes and for the campaign to continue. Other speakers included Helen Weir from Teesside Don't Lose ESOL, Pete Widlinski from the North of England Refugee Service and speakers from the Polish community. It was a lively meeting, with those who have benefited from ESOL classes telling their own stories of what it has meant for them and how being able to speak English means that you can communicate, learn, argue for rights, and integrate.

Lambeth

UCU members and ESOL students from Lambeth College assembled outside the Tate library in Brixton. Gagged students assembled at a 'teach-out' near a Save ESOL banner.  Postcards and giant postcards were available for signing and sending to local MPs. The campaign has already lobbied local councillors and it invited them and local community organisations to join students at the protest. At the college, windows of ESOL classes were decorated with posters spelling out 'Keep ESOL free', 'Defend Adult Education' and 'Save ESOL - stop the cuts'.

Huddersfield

The free English 'Teach Out' went well and there was coverage on the local radio throughout the day (Radio 107.9FM). 'Gagged' students highlighted the threat to free ESOL courses.

The Huddersfield Examiner reported the event, including interviews with students.

Bradford

Bradford College UCU arranged an ESOL class in which vacant seats arising from the absence of students - unable to qualify for free classes - were occupied by signs explaining reasons for the students' absence: Destitute refugee; Asylum seeker here less than six months; Family won't pay for me; Only the home office knows I exist; £64 wage - cant pay £575; In the UK less than a year; Can't attend mixed classes. A local radio station interviewed campaigners.

Other events planned for the Day of Action

Hackney College: 'Education for all - Save ESOL and adult education' meeting for staff and students,

Tower Hamlets:  Classes to make their way from college sites to Idea Store Whitechapel for ESOL lesson slots.

The UCU branch at Morley also planned activities.

UCU members from some Birmingham colleges were monitoring the impact of funding changes on local ESOL provision. Provisional reports include the following:

• South Birmingham College Women's Academy has waiting lists.
• South Birmingham Digbeth has big waiting lists and fewer classes are being offered, so there is less provision. Sessional workers have lost work.
• Solihull College. There is a big reduction in European migrant students. A few are accessing literacy, but many need ESOL and can't pay. Some asylum seekers and residents are being turned away because their period of residency in England is insufficient to qualify for funding help. All sessional staff have lost all their work.

Reports of previous local events

Tower Hamlets College: a meeting at Tower Hamlets College was attended by more than 100 people, with the majority being ESOL students.  Speakers included Paul Mackney (UCU), Monica Lucero (ESOL Tutor at Tower Hamlets College), Abdi Abby (Oxford House), Helen Watts (Praxis), local councillors from Respect and Lib Dems and an ESOL student. Plans were discussed for the North East London demo on 28 April and all present agreed to build to make it a success. Other action was discussed, including:

• a call for ESOL tutors to boycott enrolments in September on the basis that we should not be asked to discriminate between 'native speakers'
• join protests on 1 May outside colleges and elsewhere
• calls for UCU to call a national demonstration.

Delegates were inspired by ESOL student Syeda Hasna Begum's willingness to speak and suggested that she and other speakers visit lower level ESOL classes to explain the campaign and build for the 28 April demo.

Ocean Estate, Tower Hamlets: A Save ESOL public meeting was held on 23 April for the Ocean Estate area of Tower Hamlets.  Speakers included Marta Paluch (Tower Hamlets College), Abdi Hassan (Ocean Somali Organisation and former ESOL Student), Mehdi Hassan (Respect Party National Executive and former ESOL Student), Baronness Pola Uddin, (Labour Party) and Nazma Begum (current ESOL student).

The audience of about 40 was composed of almost entirely female ESOL students, mostly Bangladeshi housewives who attend Outreach classes. Some of these students have already been involved in the campaign by attending the Lobby of Parliament in February, writing to their MPs and raising the issue in their local community. Others came because they had been invited by friends or family.

The ESOL student who spoke, Nazma Begum, emphasised the effect of the restriction of language classes on women who are already marginalised in the labour market and that women need English to help their children, as education begins at home. She also spoke of the desire of women to be able to mix with others in their neighbourhoods and communities.

Leicester:  a Save ESOL meeting took place on Saturday 21 April at De Montfort University Leicester. Speakers included Cllr Sue Waddington (Leicester City Council and NIACE European Officer), Dan Taubman (UCU). There were also representatives from the Indian Workers Association and members of the Somali community present.

It was raised that potentially 25% cut in ESOL provision could cause a possible 25% cut in migrant workers. Delegates highlighted the importance of recognising the needs of the community communities such as the Somali community for whom ESOL is an essential bond; very moving speech from a Zimbabwean asylum seeker who spoke about ESOL classes were essential to bridging gaps between asylum seekers from different communities – views were expressed that many experience victimisation twice, once in their own country and again when they arrive in the UK.

Sheffield: Sheffield College UCU sponsored a meeting for all staff and students of the Sheffield College on Tuesday 20 March, 3.45-4.45pm. It had contributions on the local position and the potential impact on learners and a discussion on how participants at the meeting can support the campaign. Contact: catherine.baldock@sheffcol.ac.uk

A citywide group has been organised in Sheffield, calling itself Sheffield Save ESOL Campaign. There are at least 10 community groups, the WEA, members of the Sheffield College, staff from the Council etc involved. They  organised a public meeting for 13 March 2007 at Sadacca (Afro-Caribbean Centre). Contact: Ahmed Gurnah

Hackney Community College (London) UCU: held meetings on campus at 6.30pm on Wed 7 March and Wed 14 March to allow more staff and students the opportunity to join and hear the Save ESOL campaign latest. Contact: Payne Mthimkhulu

Huddersfield: Huddersfield technical college UCU organised a positive meeting with Barry Sheerman MP. BBC Look North and The Examiner followed up local campaign stories. Naheed, who attended the London lobby with many students, said: 'Basically, we are going to keep up the momentum at local level, we're in the process of contacting the gurdwaras, mosques and churches in the area. We are also contacting the local radio to reach more people. We feel energised by yesterday's lobby and we won't be giving up!' Contact: Naheed Mehboob

Birmingham: Local ESOL campaigners lobbied the local Learning & Skills Council offices on Monday 26 Feb and wrote to the regional director, who met with national LSC executives that morning.

Bradford: A rally attended by several hundred took place in Centenary Square, Bradford on 28 February, organised by Bradford ACE branch. Representatives from colleges and training providers across the city joined the protest, as well as local trade unionists and councillors. The event received the backing of Bradford College principal. Hundreds of concerned campaigners in the city have already signed petitions as well as contacting and meeting local MPs. Campaign organiser and ESOL lecturer Shamim Nizami said, 'I am really concerned about the well-being of students, particularly those from vulnerable groups. Most of these students may not be able to continue to study ESOL if they have to pay. This will also affect the social cohesion and integration of the community in Bradford'. Other speakers included were from the TUC, Bradford Immigration and Asylum Support, Labour Councillors and Bradford Trade Council. Many students spoke of their disappointment, anger and frustration. Bradford Telegraph & Argus reported on the rally on 1 March in a full page spread. Local Sunrise radio also had a 15 minute programme including an interview with Bill Rammell. Contact: June Nikfar

Southampton City College: Southampton UCU branch had an article about ESOL and how to support the campaign put into the college staff magazine and UCU reps asked their students to support the campaign. Contact: ian.mccann@southampton-city.ac.uk

Tower Hamlets (London): Tower Hamlets College UCU members and about 100 students attended the lobby of Parliament. Many of the group met MP George Galloway. (For pictures, see indymedia). UCU reps and students also planned to lobby local MP Jim Fitzpatrick at Tower Hamlets College on Mon 5. Contact: Roberto Froth

Bristol: A lunchtime protest was held in the centre of Bristol on Wednesday 28 February, to coincide with the national lobby in London. Students, lecturers, asylum seekers and trade unionists joined in the protest. Later on that day at rush hour Bristol University STAR (Student Action for Refugees) gathered for another protest and again met with a very positive response, handing out 1,000 flyers and collecting 100 signatures. Contact: UCU City of Bristol College UCU, Jo Benefield

Exeter: A delegation from Exeter College lobbied MP Ben Bradshaw at the parliamentary lobby and produced a report for their supportive college principal. Bob Mycock said: 'We all felt we had a good opportunity to present our case, and we hope the fact that such a large number of MPs were lobbied on the day may help to modify the proposals.' Contact: UCU rep Bob Mycock

Oxford: A delegation of staff and students from Oxford and Cherwell Valley College of FE and The Community English School, supported by other members of the Oxford Refugee and Asylum Seeker Training, Education and Employment Partnership (ORASTEEP), joined the UCU Lobby of Parliament and lobbied Andrew Smith, MP. Since the start of the campaign, ORASTEEP has received messages of support from, amongst others, Oxford City Council, Oxford & District Trades Council, local schools and mental health organisations. There will also be a local equality impact survey. Contact: Alan Whitaker

6 February, Middlesbrough: Helen Weir of Tees Valley Campaign to Save ESOL, writes: 'The public meeting on 6 February was very well attended. We had a speaker from UCU, and a statement from NIACE. Our two learners spoke very well, one who has recently arrived from Baghdad where her husband was shot, who sees her class as an escape from isolation as well as helping with her English (and who has been refused asylum!). The other speaker, Pascal from Guinea, told how he came two years ago with no English, and is now studying part time at Teesside University on a civil engineering degree course. He also won the Regional Adult Learner of the Year Award in 2006. There were interesting contributions during the "open" part of the meeting, and some spontaneous theatre from Hassan, an actor and theatre director from Iraq, who through a very short performance effectively demonstrated the difficulty of having to rely on interpreters. Hassan is also a refugee who has benefited from ESOL classes, but equally we as a community have benefited from his talents. Radio Cleveland did several interviews after the meeting. A coach is coming to London on 28 February from the Tees Valley to join in the lobby of parliament, and we are hoping to attract many people to our rally on 3 March from within and outside the Tees Valley area.'

5 February, Bristol: 'Migrant workers in Bristol' meeting held at UNISON offices. The aim of the meeting was a practical one - to take an initial broad focus and to share what we each know of current developments and issues concerning migrant workers and to identify some of the longer term issues about access to services, particularly ESOL provision, including training and skills development, citizenship issues and community relationships in relationships, in the context of the migrant worker employment experience. In response to the priorities being identified, we would like to start the process of exploring the possibility of joint action, partnership work and sources of funding.

A number of those involved with the issue of migrant workers in the region are working together on this issue including David Jepson (the director of the EU leader rural development network), Nigel Costley (SW TUC), colleagues from Bristol University and Mavis Zutshi, regional development officer for NIACE in the SW. (report to follow)

1 February, Manchester: UCU and Trades Unions for Refugees held a successful meeting and have organised a coach to the parliamentary lobby and are advertising locally. Details: Neva Blakesley, UCU Manchester, tel 0161 772 7010, email nblakesley@ucu.org.uk; or Bob Pounder, secretary, Trades Unions For Refugees (TUFR), tel 0161 339 6740, email bob.pounder@tesco.net.

30 January, Birmingham: There was a well-attended public meeting at South Birmingham College, including the Asian Resource Centre and the Iranian Refugee Association and many other community groups. An article has been produced and sent to the Birmingham Voluntary Services Council and will reach all voluntary organisations. Leaflets are being produced. Transport is being arranged to bring many people to the lobby.

Tees Valley campaign in support of refugees stood outside a meeting of the LSC, with leaflets. It has already had a local paper taking pictures of an ESOL class and is arranging interviews. It will hold a public meeting at the Trade Union Centre on Tuesday evening 6 February and is planning a demo on Saturday 3 March.

Tyne Metropolitan College: ESOL tutors are organising letters from students to MPs - complete with uncorrected mistakes - expressing how important free ESOL provision is to them, how it's helped them speak to their doctors, the teachers of their children, and their neighbours.

GMB members in Surrey wrote to their MPs about the EDM.

Lambeth College: UCU members followed up the national press release and arranged interviews with the South London Press. UCU members have written to local MP, Keith Hill, who is also parliamentary private secretary to Tony Blair. They make the point that since immigrants mostly live in deprived inner city areas, any reduction in ESOL provision will impact on all the people in those areas. The education, health care and social services will all come under increasing strain. The branch warned of the diversion of funds to Job Centre provision 'privatisation by the back door', and that the quality of provision in job centres is lower than that in FE. In Job Centre provision: 'Students report that they sit around by the coffee machine with newspapers all day every day and they don't learn anything. Pay and working conditions for teachers are not comparable.'

Nottingham: ESOL teachers, including UCU members, joined refugees and asylum seekers at a well-attended march and lobby of the LSC offices in Nottingham called by the Nottingham and Notts Refugee Forum/Refugee Network. The forum is lobbying local MPs and the LSC very hard to try and persuade them to maintain arrangements for asylum seekers and to get a wider DfES/LSC consultation on proposed changes, including introducing charges for basic English courses. 11 December 2006

Send other local reports to Trevor Phillips.