News article
£30,000 to support University of Sussex’s refugee language scheme
- £30,000 awarded to the University of Sussex's 'English for Refugees Scheme'.
- Refugees learn English, helping them to integrate into society.
- Scheme also helps to improve employability chances.
The University of Sussex has announced today (25 July 2023) that it has been awarded £30,000 in funding from the Brighton and Hove City Council to support its 'English for Refugees Scheme' for the 2023/2024 academic year.
Run by the Department of Language Studies within the School of Media, Arts and Humanities at the University, the programme provides 21 hours per week in English classes and also helps familiarising students with university life, to help them to transition onto degree programmes.
The funding granted by Brighton and Hove City Council will help pay for the programme and will cover teaching and local transport costs for 15 refugees enrolled in the scheme.
Dan Sumner, a lecturer in English Language in the School of Media, Arts and Humanities at the University of Sussex who founded the English for Refugees Scheme, said:
“It is fantastic that we have this funding from Brighton and Hove City Council and means we can provide support for more refugees than ever before.
"One of the main barriers for refugees and asylum seekers wishing to access higher education in the UK is the standard of their English. What we're trying to do with the English for Refugees Scheme is to plug this gap by focusing on developing language skills specifically in preparation for higher education and help refugees to successfully integrate into society. However, there are students on the scheme who are trying to get into work, rather than further education.”
Previous cohorts of the scheme have gone on to successfully enrol in undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, including at the University of Sussex and Princeton University.
Tatiana, from El Salvador, who graduated from the scheme in June 2023, said:
"Going to the University of Sussex literally changed my life. The Intensive English course is something that I really enjoy taking. I feel grateful and pleased to be studying at the University. My professors are amazing, and I'm surrounded by incredible people."
The scheme has also supported those fleeing the conflict in Ukraine. Anastasia, who completed an Intensive English programme in June 2023 at Sussex, is currently on a five-week course also at the University. She has been offered a place on an MA in Criminal Law at Sussex which starts this September. She said:
“After the war started, I left my home in Ukraine, my career and all I took with me was my car and some clothes. I am grateful for the opportunity to study English at the University of Sussex. I have gained not only knowledge from this course but also many friends from all over the world of different nationalities.”
Councillor Leslie Pumm, chair of the Equalities, Community Safety & Human Rights Committee, said:
“It’s fantastic to be able to support the University of Sussex in its continuous dedication to providing vital language skills to newcomers in our city and thus opening them to a whole new world of opportunities.
“I’d like to thank all the local organisations who came forward with so many innovative projects to support people needing a safe haven, and also everyone who has already been working hard to lend a helping hand to those in need.”