Our partnership with Swansea Asylum Seekers Support (SASS) started in 2023/24, after Swansea based CDC Sam Al-Khanchi was approached by Sandra Morton (Chairman of Trustees) at SASS to discuss Adult Learning Wales in providing Contextualised ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) classes at their SASS drop in venue at St James’ in Swansea.

As many Swansea-based asylum seekers and refugees were already familiar with what SASS offered and attending St James’ was a regular occurrence, plus SASS are able to provide free childcare for the learners, the Contextualised ESOL classes helped break down some of the barriers that the learners faced when trying to access ESOL classes. These include assisting with language differences, offering financial guidance, and supporting with both mental health and wellbeing, while providing activities to foster understanding between people from diverse backgrounds.

As the partnership continues to thrive in its third year, one of the women-only, well-being classes recently took on the challenge of trying something new, thanks to the South Wales-based community group Circus Eruption. 

ESOL tutor Clare Jones said:

During the last week of term in April, we had a bring-and-share lunch for our women’s ESOL well-being class. We enjoyed wonderful food from Bangladesh, El Salvador, Colombia, Pakistan and China. After, we had an opportunity to try different circus skills with Circus Eruption (who offer circus skills in the community). The whole afternoon was full of fun, laughter and good food.”

If you would like to find out more about SASS and the vital work they do, check out their website here https://sass.wales/. Adult Learning Wales offers both online and in-person ESOL classes across Wales. For more information, visit https://www.adultlearning.wales/community-courses-landing/essential-skills-and-esol/