English Language Classes for Beginners - Anthony Collins

Group photo from their last day before the summer break.

The English language lessons for beginners which St John’s has been running since January this year were paused in July for a summer break. The lessons will continue again in September. Initially we were responding to the need of many Ukrainians who following the start of the war fled to England and needed to learn English. Over time they were able to find work and with their numbers diminishing we were able to welcome other nationalities. These include a number from Hong Kong who worship with us and more recently a Brazilian family.

Those attending classes number around twelve and with a high teacher ratio of five, we have been fortunate enough to cover a lot of basic English grammar and teach some vocabulary with theatrical role play. With two hour lessons each Monday with a break for tea and coffee, there is a passionate commitment from everyone - the teachers, helpers and the students. It is also enormous fun and we have a lot of laughter.

We have had some significant answers to prayers and we have seen God at work in providing the right people to teach and help throughout the year. If you are interested in teaching/helping with ESOL, we would love to hear from you as, with twenty language groups currently spoken in the St John’s ‘Mum’ and Tod’s Group, we expect to be busy in the autumn. Do come and join us!