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Public funding for English language teaching should be targeted where it will have the biggest impact on community cohesion and integration, Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills John Denham announced today.
Under new proposals, the promotion of community cohesion would be given the highest priority in deciding on funding for English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL). This would mean retargeting spending towards those who have made a long-term commitment to live in Britain, rather than economic migrants who may only be here for a short time. In practice this will often mean the most deprived and socially excluded groups who may find it hard to find places on ESOL courses today. The consultation follows a report published last year by the Commission for Integration and Cohesion, 'Our Shared Vision', which identified being able to communicate in English as one of the most important issues facing integration and cohesion in Britain. The report suggested that English language binds us together as a single group and vulnerable communities are being left without the English skills they need to get by. Read more in the full press release, which includes some official responses: http://www.dius.gov.uk/Press/04-01-08.html |
