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Citizens UK Organise Learning Walk in Southall

A group of motivated ESOL students from Southall Community College participated in a Citizens UK-led ‘Learning Walk’ last week. The walk, organised as part of an initiative to raise awareness about the benefits of becoming a Living Wage employer, offered students an engaging, hands-on learning experience just a few hundred meters from the college, as they visited businesses along and up to Southall High Street.

Colleagues from West London Citizens, a Citizens UK chapter, worked with students on short, introductory speeches aimed at informing local business owners and managers about the merits of paying their staff the London Living Wage. Students identified a spokesperson in each group to deliver the message, improving their communication skills and confidence, while raising awareness of the Living Wage campaign. Along with speeches, the students handed letters and leaflets to employers, giving them information and asking them to consider offering the London Living Wage.

ESOL teacher, David Jackson, who helped organise the talk, said: “I was impressed by the enthusiasm and willingness of all the students to take part, especially our Entry Level 3 classes. They were incredibly focused and motivated, rehearsing their speeches and engaging confidently with local businesses. It was clear that the walk helped boost their self-confidence, empowering them to communicate more effectively in English with local community members.”

Throughout the walk, Ella and Hilal from Citizens UK offered their support and guidance, helping gather feedback from the local business owners and managers. The successful initiative provided students with a valuable opportunity to gain knowledge about life and work in the UK, enhance their communication skills, and build self-confidence.