Education and Integration at SPIRASI

Since January 1999, SPIRASI has been offering a range of educational courses to asylum seekers, refugees and migrant workers regardless of sex, religious or political beliefs. It is our goal that the education programme will serve as a stepping stone towards integration and inclusion into Irish Society.

SPIRASI offers English language courses catering for beginner, intermediate and advanced learners of the language. Each course includes a computer literacy module so students are also given the opportunity to develop their computer skills. We also offer an Art and Media Skills programme for asylum seekers and an integration programme comprising of a Life Skills module for people with residency status in Ireland. (We have also started a mentoring program where volunteers will give one-to-one support to an immigrant within the local community.)

Many of the courses offered by SPIRASI are accredited with FETAC, the Further Education and Training Awards Council which is the national awards body for further education and training in Ireland. FETAC certificates are nationally recognised and will help students as they seek employment or further education.

SPIRASI currently offers the following FETAC certified ESOL (English as a Second or Other Language) courses:

• Beginner English language
  This course is for absolute beginner English learners.
• FETAC Level 3: ESOL
  This course is aimed at elementary level language learners.
• FETAC Level 4: ESOL
  This course is aimed at pre-intermediate to intermediate level language learners.
• FETAC Level 5: ESOL
  This course is aimed at upper intermediate to advanced level language learners.
• FETAC Level 4: Preparation for Work
  This course is aimed at intermediate and (pre)intermediate language learners with the focus on preparing to work in Ireland. Students will discuss their work experience, skills and employment interests. The course will include CV writing, letter writing, interview skills and job search skills.

Each of the above courses are 12 weeks in duration. Subject to successful completion of the term a progression route into higher level classes is available.

Each course has a computer module that covers basic computer skills with FETAC certification in Computer Literacy.

To achieve their FETAC certification, students will be required to take a listening, reading, writing and oral exam at the end of the course. Students are also required to complete a project portfolio and to create a presentation for their teachers and peers. This project incorporates an integration of the English, Computers and Arts classes. These projects will be published in our newsletter and this web-site and form part of future course material.

All courses have a strong emphasis on confidence building, promoting learner autonomy, and an equal focus on each of the four skills of English language learning: reading, writing, listening and speaking.

Terms and Times

Classes run for 20 hours a week — mornings and afternoons 9.30am-1.30pm and 12.30-4.30pm.
They are offered to asylum seekers and refugees as a priority but also to other migrants who would not otherwise have access to such services. (Currently EU citizens are not eligible to attend classes.) All classes are free of charge.

There are three different terms each year:

• Spring Term — January to March
• Summer Term — April to July
• Autumn term — September to December

Some quotes from students

Tanya, Latvia
I've been learning English and Computers in SPIRASI since 2000. When I came to SPIRASI first time, I hadn't spoken English at all. I met here a lot of interesting and intelligent people, who helped me to learn the language and computers and also to know information in which I was needed. I would like to thank everyone concerned for making our lessons so useful and interesting. Thank you very much!

Boubekeur, Algeria
Spirasi is a great chance for us to be in touch with people from different countries, cultures and thoughts.
It is multicultural, anti-racist and integrates us into this the safest country in the world. I state that I am learning a lot of things every day from our great teachers who are the best I ever had in my life. Without them I couldn't write this piece of paper. Thanks very much for all the staff and teachers.

Song, China
I'm Chinese I come from Shang Hai. I'm in Ireland five years. I have learned to speak English at Spirasi. I like coming to classes where I meet lots of people from other countries. I like with them. I'm very happy to learn English at Spirasi.

Homa, Iran
I want to appreciate this organisation that gives us a precious opportunity to learn and improve our English knowledge as well as learn a bit about Irish culture with very friendly teachers.
Furthermore we get to know different nationalities which is a great experience. Another thing is that, despite not having to pay for them, there are good facilities to borrow books, to have something in the kitchen and sometimes getting a free ticket to the theatre or cinema as well.

English Language Programme

The aim of the English Language Programme is to offer language and literacy provision with a strong intercultural emphasis and supports to those who would otherwise have no access to such courses. Furthermore the Programme seeks to develop and expand a high-quality, fully accredited ESOL programme which addresses both academic and social needs as a means to integration, as well as giving learners a voice in determining their own educational programme.

"Before I came here, I had a university degree and a good job. Now I am a baby. I sound like a baby, I am treated like a baby, not an adult. I shamed myself when I went out, always repeating, and no one understanding. So I stayed home all the time, not even understanding TV."
- Moldovan woman, 29 years old

Various reports, including the White Paper on Adult Education: Learning for Life, Department of Education and Science (2000) and Asylum Seekers in Adult Education: A Study of Language and Literacy Needs, Tanya Ward, City of Dublin VEC (2002), have stressed that the main impediment to integration into Irish society is the lack of English language. The reports, however, do not fully express the frustrations people experience when learning English as a means to survive in a new society.

It is difficult for many native speakers of English to imagine the degree of isolation that comes from the inability to communicate with people in the community. Just getting on the bus or shopping at local stores can be a formidable undertaking which often requires more courage and confidence than many people newly arrived to this country may have. Unfortunately, in this society, people who do not speak English are often treated with distrust and condescension, making the goal of feeling at home in Ireland that much more difficult to reach.

As students become more proficient in English, their levels of self-sufficiency and confidence increases. By attending classes, many students find a stability of routine and social aspects previously absent in their everyday lives. By making friends and social contacts previously absent in their everyday lives, they have access to a strong peer support system and begin the process of socialisation.

By learning English, students are not only empowered to change the way they interact in society but to make actively make changes in their lives. More importantly, learning English in a safe and supportive environment often lends the learner the courage to use this language outside of class, to speak with people in Ireland and to truly become part of Irish life.

"When I came to English class, no one laughed, and I made friends and learned. Now I am a little afraid of speaking to Irish people, but I try, I try."
- Congolese male, 37 years old