Shining a light on volunteer hard work
Shining a light on volunteer hard work, and refugee and migrant successes
Photos and article: http://www.englishlanguage.org.nz/shining-light-volunteer-hard-work-learner-successes
Not-for-profit training establishment English Language Partners (ELPNZ) has recognised the commitment and dedication of its learners and tutors at their inaugural awards ceremony, held at Te Papa on Saturday 8 April.
The organisation provides refugees and migrants the opportunity to learn English, so they can pursue aspirations for themselves and their families, and participate in all aspects of life in New Zealand.
Chief Executive Nicola Sutton says the awards, presented by Sir Anand Satyanand, create a new opportunity for ELPNZ to celebrate the achievements of refugee and migrant learners, their volunteer teachers, and others who make a huge contribution to the Trust’s work.
Participants from
ELPNZ’s 23 nationwide centres gathered on the night to
celebrate. The 11 winners were awarded under four
categories: Distinguished Volunteer Service; Outstanding
Learning Achievement; Premier; and Refugee Achievement,
which carries a $2,000 educational scholarship.
Ms Sutton
says achievement is a very relative and individual
experience. “What may be considered a small step forward
for one learner may be an enormous accomplishment for
another.”
English Language Partners offers a range of
programmes, from beginners English to conversational English
and English for the workplace, as well as more tailored
courses such as learning the road code. It also offers
in-home tutoring for learners who are unable to access group
lessons.
“We believe being able to communicate in
everyday English and understand how things are done here is
essential for good settlement outcomes. Success benefits
everyone, including communities and workplaces,” says Ms
Sutton.
English Language Partners New Zealand 2017
National Award Winners:
Refugee Achievement Award:
Sandra Clavijo Cristancho (Porirua)
Given to learners
from refugee or asylum seeker backgrounds who have made
exceptional learning gains and achievements with their
English language. Carries with it a $2,000 educational
scholarship.
Outstanding Learning Achievement Award:
Moreen Shamoel (Wellington), Sebastiana Canales de Alvarez
(Rotorua), Rosa Fidela Munoz Alvarado (Waikato).
Given to
individuals who have made exceptional gains and achievements
through their work with English Language Partners.
Distinguished Volunteer Service Award: Daphne Hutton
(Waikato), Denise Lawrence (Wellington), Carolyn Williamson
(Southland), Gretta Dymond (Porirua), Robert Redmond (South
Auckland).
Given to volunteers who have made outstanding
contributions in their work with refugees and migrants.
Premier Award: Rhonda Lin, Gillian Skyrme
This award
recognises those who have made outstanding contributions to
the work of ELPNZ, through their exceptional service or
support at the local or national level.
ends