Minister Harris launches new resources to help migrant learners

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris has launched new resources to help migrant learners improve their English language skills.

Marking International Human Rights Day, the Minister published new guidelines and toolkits to assist migrant learners to progress through further education.

Minister Harris said: “Those who have come to Ireland and chosen to make their home here have made a huge contribution to our society. Not only do our migrant communities contribute to our economy, most importantly, they enrich our culture and provide vibrancy and diversity to Irish life. It is incumbent, therefore, on all of us however to ensure we take all the steps we can to make it easier for migrants to adjust to life in Ireland and to be able to participate in our society in the most fulfilling way. What is clear is that competence in English language, along with strong literacy and numeracy, is a necessary foundation for development and success in life, work and lifelong learning in Ireland.

The guidelines, toolkit and resources will allow for a more responsive, flexible and meaningful approach to initial and ongoing assessment. This work supports the department's aims and aligns with the Further Education and Training Strategy 2020 – 2024 and its strategic pillars: building skills, fostering inclusion and facilitating pathways.

Minister Harris continued: “I know that the FET sector is fully committed to building inclusive teaching and learning environments. All actions and practices embrace and promote diversity and build a sense of belonging for all in every interaction, in every lesson and in every classroom or teaching and learning place. I want to thank SOLAS, ETBI and CMETB for their leadership on this issue.”

Commenting on the publication of the resources, Andrew Brownlee, CEO, SOLAS said: “These guidelines will be essential assets for those working in the sector and those learning English. In addition, there will be a suite of resources that will support tutors, co-ordinators and managers across the Further Education (FET) Sector to facilitate continued good practice in the initial and ongoing assessment of the English language competency of learners. Both the guidelines and toolkit reflect the knowledge and valuable inputs of FET practitioners and learners.

Welcoming the guidelines and toolkit, Paddy Lavelle, General Secretary of Education & Training Boards Ireland (ETBI) said: "This is a really great piece of research and shows our commitment in Education & Training Boards (ETBs) to active inclusion. It is so important that barriers to inclusion are taken down to enable all our people with their diversity of ability and language participate fully in community life. English Language skills are essential to this participation. This initiative provides the sector with a practical assessment system and a suite of good practice resources for tutors, coordinators, and mangers to utilise. Ensuring its widespread use across ESOL literacy and numeracy provision will help support migrant learners to achieve their goals, maintain and further develop their skills and grow in confidence.”

Chief Executive of Cavan and Monaghan Education and Training Board, Mr. John Kearney warmly welcomed the launch, outlining: “The guidelines and toolkit are the culmination of an extensive investigation into what we understand the provision of English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) to be and the pivotal role that it plays in modern Irish society. These resources also strive to enhance the role and importance of the provision of English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) plays in learners’ lives and how education can truly empower learners, families, and communities. This positioning of the sector in thousands of communities nationally will be vital if we are to deliver upon the Adult Literacy for Life Ten Year Plan as the power of the local, the familiar and word of mouth promotion will be intrinsic to realising its ambition.”