Refugee Manager, Jess Brooks writes about a new post funded by Surrey County Council to support Ukrainian families to access and navigate the education system.
In a world where education is the key to unlocking countless opportunities, ensuring that every individual has access to quality education is paramount. Epsom & Ewell Refugee Network (EERN) is taking a step towards this goal with the introduction of the Education Support Worker role.
At EERN, we recognise the unique challenges faced by refugees and asylum seekers, especially when it comes to accessing education. Many individuals within these communities have faced upheaval, displacement, and trauma, which can significantly disrupt their learning journey. Many Ukrainian families that we work with did not anticipate that they would need to live in the UK for more than a few months after the war broke out. To prevent young people falling behind in their studies, many families chose to continue their child’s Ukrainian lessons online while also enrolling them in local UK schools. This means that some children have been attending their local school during the day, then beginning a new school day in the evenings in Ukrainian. While the conflict in Ukraine continues, the effort to balance both English and Ukrainian education is proving detrimental to some families. Some parents are now concerned that their children are not effectively accessing the learning in either English or Ukrainian, and have significant concerns for what this will mean for their child’s future study and career opportunities. They want to support their children by understanding the UK system more, and navigating it in a way to best suit their child’s needs. But the gaps in knowledge, in learning, and in access to learning, are growing more pronounced.
Our new Education Support Worker role aims to bridge these gaps through tailored support to help Ukrainian children and young people integrate into the education system more effectively.
So, what exactly what will an Education Support Worker at EERN do?
- Individualised Support: Our Education Support Worker will work closely with refugee families from the Ukrainian community to understand the specific educational needs and challenges of their children and young people. Whether it’s language barriers, social challenges, or academic support, we will provide personalised assistance to understand and address these issues.
- Advocacy and Guidance: Navigating the education system can be daunting, especially for those who are new to the country or have language barriers. Our Education Support Worker will guide families through the education system, helping them to access resources, and liaising with schools and educational institutions on their behalf.
- Empowerment through Education: We firmly believe in the transformative power of education. By equipping refugees with the necessary tools and support, we empower those we work with to build brighter futures for themselves and their families. Our Education Support Worker plays a crucial role in this journey, providing encouragement, motivation, and guidance to those engaged with our programme.
In launching the Education Support Worker role, Epsom & Ewell Refugee Network reaffirms its commitment to promoting inclusivity, diversity, and educational equity. Through this initiative, we strive to create a more welcoming and supportive environment where everyone has the opportunity to learn and thrive.
To learn more about Epsom & Ewell Refugee Network and our Education Support Worker role, visit our website or get in touch with us today eern@goodcompany.org.uk.
