‘Sikav So Dzanes’ is a community learning project aimed at developing English language skills amongst Roma adults across Sheffield.
The project started in January 2016 and ends in June 2017. Regular taster sessions are held in Page Hall, Tinsley and Darnall. The sessions are designed to encourage participation so a variety of innovative teaching methods and occasional activities are used, such as taster sessions and day trips.
The project has also organised a cooking class as well as more formal English lessons which allow progression towards qualifications appropriate to the level of the learners.
Sikav So Dzanes is funded by the Department of Communities and Local Government (DCLG) and is focussed on increasing integration through language acquisition.
The atmosphere of the classes is informal and friendly.
Adults can bring their children to the classes and the tutors are able to work with a mix of English language levels. Participants have a lot of fun in the classes and all learn from each other. There is a growing network of Roma people who are participating in the classes and this has created a wonderful opportunity to develop links and relationships.
There are two learning champions: Jo Baines and Tim Neal with a third post soon to be filled. The third learning champion will be Roma themselves so they will be able to work across the language ‘barrier’ and offer a role model for Roma people keen to engage in education.
For more information on this project, please contact Jo Baines or Tim Neal who are based at:
Endeavour Centre, Earl Marshall Road, Sheffield S4 8FB.
Mobile: 07920 403 982 or Email: jobaines@lifelonglearningandskills. org or timneal@lifelonglearningandskills. org