Care home residents work hard to get qualifications
TWO residents at a care home in Glasgow’s East End have been putting their French skills to the test by taking up language lessons, with the help of another resident.
Specialist adult care facility The Oaks, in Baillieston, teamed up with Shawlands- based social enterprise Lingo Flamingo to help Kirsty Alexander and Lily Hughes complete a 12- week course.
The classes began after they expressed an interest during lockdown about learning a new language and the pair have now achieved a qualification in Modern Languages.
Kirsty and Lily also had support throughout the course from another Oaks resident, Ian Aitchison, who has a degree in French and German.
Ian’s confidence grew by offering tutoring support for Kirsty and Lily, while enjoying some of the course himself.
A special graduation ceremony was held at the care home, with Ian receiving his own certificate for assisting in the lessons.
This was followed by an afternoon tea at a local restaurant.
Kirsty and Lily praised their teacher Carolyn McInnes, and they are both looking forward to beginning the next set of lessons.
Julie Stevenson, general manager at The Oaks, said: “Our residents have thoroughly enjoyed the Lingo Flamingo French course, and we are so proud of Kirsty and Lily for achieving their National 2 certificates.
“This started as a conversation over lockdown about how much they would like to learn a new language. Fast forward to today, and our residents have received a formal SQA Modern Languages qualification and have signed up for the more advanced level.
“We are also incredibly proud of Ian for growing his confidence to help both Kirsty and Lily with their lessons. Ian often preferred to remain in his room during the day, but since introducing the lessons he has truly come out of his shell and shown so much support to a subject he is incredibly passionate about.”
The course material is designed to be accessible, with a mixture of online and interactive in- person lessons.
Residents covered topics such as greetings, personal language, geography, animals, sports, hobbies, days of the week, likes/ dislikes and music.
Carolyn, language tutor at Lingo Flamingo, said: “Lily and Kirsty showed great enthusiasm and commitment. They both worked extremely hard and never missed a class.
“They were helped greatly by Ian, who contributed hugely to the classes. I am thrilled they are now continuing with the next level of the Lingo Flamingo course.”
Located on Glasgow Road, The Oaks provides specialist mental health care facilities for residents with mental health difficulties and specialist care needs.