The first two phases of a specially designed National Citizen Service (NCS) programme for a class of Wakefield College ESOL learners have just concluded. The ESOL students come from a wide range of countries, cultures and backgrounds including Gambia, Sudan, Syria and Kurdistan.
The NCS is a voluntary personal and social development programme for 16–17 year olds in England and Northern Ireland. ESOL learners sometimes lack the confidence and language skills to join the general NCS programmes, so this was an ideal opportunity for them to break out of their comfort zone, learn about the Wakefield Community, build confidence and have fun!
Phase 1 saw them undertaking some amazing outdoor physical challenges at Canberra Farm in Doncaster. The activities included axe throwing, canoeing, archery, climbing challenges, zip- wiring across a river, building fires and making pizzas over a camp fire. Ayad, a student from Syria, said he had enjoyed all of the activities especially the axe throwing. Amer a Kurdish student from Iran said it was “the most amazing experience”.
Phase 2, based at the Wakefield Trinity Community Foundation, began with students exploring what makes a good team, identifying leadership skills and exploring ways they could contribute to the Wakefield community. They also had visits from community action groups and HMP not 4 Me – where they looked at crime and the dangers of criminal exploitation and illegal substances. The students got to experience a police cell and try on handcuffs, police uniform and equipment. The busy week culminated in three of the students’ giving presentations to their tutor and two members of the Wakefield Trinity Community Foundation including its Head, Mark Brennan.
Mark was really impressed with the students who were giving presentations in English for the very first time. Mark sent his feedback to the ESOL Team saying “I was so impressed with your ESOL students today, they were a credit to you and the college, outstanding work.”
During his presentation Mohamed from Syria said "I wish all students could experience NCS – it has changed my life".
The students will be continuing with Phase Three and will be performing some community actions where they will be helping out at Agbrigg Allotments, doing some painting, weeding, digging and planting.
NCS Co-ordinator Yasmin Lanouar said she really enjoyed working with the ESOL learners “I would also like to highlight how well behaved and hard working the young people on programme are. All the students here over the past 2 weeks have been superstars.”
The ESOL Team are really proud of their students’ achievements and are looking forward to seeing the next cohort start their NCS journey.