When more than 100 refugees and migrants graduated from English classes in Wellington, one of their songs was a reminder about the living conditions some of them find themselves in.

One of the classes preformed a piece titled It Doesn’t Work, highlighting the problem of leaky roofs, and the song struck a chord with retiring Labour MP Marian Hobbs.

She praised the migrant and refugee communities.

“It takes a lot of courage to shift countries. You are courageous and brave and hard working.”

She said later she always loved the refugee graduation ceremony: “Though I’m very aware that many of our people are living in conditions that aren’t as good as they ought to be.”

The celebration of literacy and culture was held at St Anne’s Church hall in Newtown, where students of Wellington’s Multicultural Learning and Support Services graduated with a certificate of achievements in learning English.

The hall was brimming with diverse ethnicities, ages and backgrounds.

“Today I am very happy,” said Baru Jeto, 22, formally of Ethiopia and now residing in Strathmore.

“Today many people have come from different places, have different language and different colour. We come together to speak in one language, to learn English.”

Programme manager Mary Collie-Holmes says provides English language classes to a wide range of students, from those who have not had any formal education in their home countries, to people who have been educated to a high standard.

In both cases, students have a limited knowledge of English.

“Language is absolutely vital when you’re coming into a new country, otherwise you’re isolated from the rest of the community.”

Having the language skills to feel comfortable to speak to another in simple way makes a huge difference interacting with Kiwis, she says. 

Fact file

Multicultural Learning and Support Service (MCLaSS)
Offers free basic level English classes
To permanent residents only
Second semester starts 21 July
For Information call 04 384 3693
Or email jon.mclass@xtra.co.nz

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