Refugees tackle language barrier

4:29pm Sunday 24th February 2008

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ASYLUM seekers and refugees were told they need to learn basic English language skills in order to help themselves.

A conference was held at Blackburn Cathedral to give advice to foreigners.

Around 20 people, most of whom had been displaced from the Congo, met to discuss their concerns and fears surrounding the issue of social integration.

Community leader and former Congo resident Dr Slim Mbende, who has lived in Blackburn for two years, hosted the talk which gave people a chance to speak to workers from Blackburn College about how they could improve their English.

Dr Mbende said the workshop had been a positive attempt to show asylum seekers and refugees what options were open to them.

With the refugees and asylum seekers all speaking French, it was down to Dr Mbende to translate their questions in order for the college staff to give them answers.

Many fled Congo to escape high levels of violence and civil war between militias.

It is not known exactly how many people from Congo are living in East Lancashire.

Dr Mbende, founder of the Rural Healthcare Charity, said: "They speak French and have no opportunity to speak English.

"Many of their concerns are about not speaking the language, which means they can't become part of the community.

"Some have lived here for five years and still can't speak the language so they become isolated.

"If they can speak it then they can even take those skills back to Congo and help others learn.

"Hopefully we can get bigger events set up at the college where they can come and see what is on offer for them.

"I would like to see English classes set up in their parts of town."

Cecily Rogers, who works in information and services at Blackburn College, said they would explore the possibility of providing English classes.

She said: "The problem is that the people here today have issues with a lot of things, one of the main ones being the language.

"We want to stage an advice event so they can come and get information and guidance on what courses and services are on offer to them.

"People want to integrate and get on with their lives but need the skills to do so."