ENGLISH conversational classes for Ukrainian children living in Melksham have ended after 15 months, as the children can now speak and understand the language, organisers say.
The sessions, held at that meeting space in the Market Place, helped children with reading and writing in English and were delivered by local woman, Pat Hall.
“A massive thank you to Pat who has been leading English conversational classes in Melksham for the last 15 months,” said administrator of that meeting space, John Firth. “The children’s classes have ended as the children are now well established in English and community activities.
“The adult classes continue at that meeting space and Pat is seeing her students gain confidence and competence in speaking and reading.
“Pat’s work has been appreciated by all of the students and those who have been (and still are) hosts to those who have fled the war in Ukraine and are part of the U-Meet group in Melksham.”
Graham Ellis from U-Meet, said, “The children are in school and their English has taken off with the aid of lessons like Pat’s. Adults may not be quite so fast.
“These guests are now very much a part of our community, working and paying taxes and are useful members of society. However, they are very much still in limbo with their three-year refugee status, granted but with no route to permanent settlement and it remains to be seen how things will go forward.
“There’s no longer a flood but there is still a trickle of later arrivals who also still need our help.”
