DCG Impact Review 2024 - Flipbook - Page 28
TWENTY EIGHT | STRATEGIC PRIORITY TWO
A SAFE PLACE
TO LEARN
As a College of Sanctuary, DCG
celebrates the determination,
creativity and resilience of
asylum-seekers and refugees
in the face of adversity.
DCG was awarded College of Sanctuary status
because of its renown as a standard bearer for
social mobility and its dedication to ensuring that
young people and adults from these communities
have the same opportunities as other students.
Building on this recognition from Derby City of
Sanctuary – an umbrella group of organisations
working to engender a climate of welcome
and safety – DCG has forged ahead with its
programmes for learners whose 昀椀rst language is
not English.
The full-time Lexis course for 16 to 19-year-olds
brings together young people from across
the world, including countries such as Sudan,
Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran and Ukraine. It helps
them improve their English and gain quali昀椀cations
for progression into further education or
employment.
Many community organisations and local
businesses – such as Spiral Arts, Derby Book Festival,
Derby Museum of Making and Rolls-Royce plc –
support Lexis students through learning activities.
Just one example in 2023 saw DCG collaborate with
Moorways Sports Village and Water Park, Derby
County Community Trust and Derbyshire County
Cricket Club to give these students a chance to
try new sports they may have never experienced
before.
Another highlight was a presentation by Malcolm
Smith, Senior Education and Engagement Of昀椀cer
from the East Midlands UK Parliament, to help Lexis
students understand more about democracy,
transportation, housing and integrating into
British society.
In a city where 9% of the population speaks English
as a second language, DCG also places sustained
emphasis on supporting adult learners with their
communication skills.
Its English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
programmes, delivered in various community
settings, assist people to hone their skills for
everyday life, such as talking to doctors or helping
children with homework.
Since arriving here, I have been
supported by the College every step
of the way. Much kindness has been
shown to me. I would like to also help
people, potentially enrolling on a
Health and Social Care course and
then working in a caring industry.”
Tibian Mahmoud,
originally from Eritrea
