Background
Thirteen Ukrainian learners, displaced by war and now rebuilding their lives in the UK, joined a twelve-week Functional Skills English programme at Sunflower House. This initiative was not contract-based or externally funded. It was a social value project, offered by EBCF in partnership with ACH and Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council, driven by a simple belief: language is not just a skill – it is the first step to finding your voice in a new country.
The Learning Journey
The course was designed with empathy and practicality in mind:
- Blended learning across reading, writing, speaking and listening
- Delivered by Larysa Korin, a Ukrainian-speaking tutor who taught ESOL in Lubny, Ukraine, until 2023
- Community-based sessions in a familiar, welcoming space
- Culturally sensitive delivery that built trust and confidence
This was more than an English class. It was a space where learners felt seen, supported, and empowered.
Outcome
All thirteen learners successfully achieved English Functional Skills qualification. They now have the option to progress to ESOL Level 1 at the same centre, with access to digital skills training and tailored support to help them take their next steps into work or further learning.
Acknowledgements
Special thanks to Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council and ACH, especially Sadia Bi and Noor Suwa, for championing this from the start and helping turn a conversation into a classroom.
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