The Learning Station Project was set up in 2016 by two students from King's College London, Emma Yagour and Lola Siran.
"We would regularly volunteer with refugee organisations across London. The people we met explained how acquiring language skills was essential not just for integration but also to understand the complex legal procedures they had to go through." - Lola Siran
Lola and Emma quickly recognised the need to set up English classes for refugees and asylum seekers in a more central location in London, after speaking to many people who described the difficulties of accessing other English classes across London due to transport costs.
The Learning Station Project was then founded, with the support of King’s College London.
"More than a class, we like to think that our evening classes are also a time of laughter, sharing of cultures and happiness." - Emma Yagour
Over the years, the Learning Station Project has grown into an exciting programme, which offers English classes, cultural outings and sports activities to its students.
●Funding from the UK Government for the provision of English for speakers of otherlanguages (ESOL) fell by 56% between 2009-2017, which has curtailed the ability of public services to support the integration of migrants, such as refugees and asylum-seekers.
●2/3 of refugees in the United Kingdom are not confident that their current level of English makes them ready to work in the UK
●Almost 2/3 of refugees in the UK say that they did not think they had received enoughESOL teaching hours
●Unlike Universal Credit, asylum support rates have not been increased due to covid-19.
●Asylum seekers and refugees face unique and complex challenges related to their mentalhealth and they are often at greater risk of developing mental health problems.
●The UK is welcoming 20,000 Afghan refugees over the coming years as they flee the country in search of a safer environment - on top of the thousands of migrants, asylum seekers and refugees entering the country on a frequent basis
●Volunteer: We are looking for students and staff to help runour English classes and organise activities - https://www.thelearningstationproject.com/get-involved
●Become a Trustee: LSP is looking for 3 new Trustees to takeover the charity from July 2022, (KCL staff, students or thosewith an interest in refugee work preferred). Enquire: thelearningstationproject@gmail.com
•Visibility: Follow us on Instagram @thelearningstationproject
Four students:
- We do not ask students to disclose information about their asylum status so to create a welcoming environment for learning.
For volunteers:
- Our volunteers do not need to have prior teaching experience - just a passion for teaching and learning and an interest in refugee rights.
Volunteers will also have the opportunity to participate in and lead on fundraising, social media, activity coordination.
Our services:
- LSP offers a mixed programme of enriching educational, cultural and sporting activities in London.
