Praise for project to improve English in minorities

A LANGUAGE project to help people learn English in one of Glasgow’s most multi-cultural districts has been praised by politicians.

Around 90 people from 15 different nationalities took part in the 10-week programme in Govanhill organised by housing and community leaders.

The ESOL Café – English for Speakers of Other Languages – was held at Queen’s Park Govanhill Parish Church to help people improve their reading and writing skills.

Hanzala Malik, Labour MSP for Glasgow, lodged a motion in the Scottish Parliament congratulating the project organisers, which has been supported by another 10 MSPs across parties.

The programme was organised by Govanhill Housing Association and Govanhill Community Development Trust.

Mr Malik said it was important to recognise the good work that goes on promoting integration.

He said: “This is a very important project and worthy of support.

“We are very quick to criticise but we are never happy to give people a small pat on the back to say ‘well done and what you are doing is appreciated and we thank you for it’.

“This project is a breath of fresh air and means vulnerable people have a place that they can call home.”

The Rev Elijah Smith of Queen’s Park Govanhill Parish Church, said: “It is important that local and national bodies realise both the challenge and the promise of a large and diverse place like Govanhill as I am convinced similar challenges and promises will become more common throughout Scotland in future.”