BRADFORD College is making a big difference to students’ lives in a rural village in Mombasa, Kenya.
The College works alongside the charity Educate the Kids to support Jolaurabi School and its 800 students aged six to 11.
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) students at Bradford College have raised money for equipment and Wi-Fi at the Kenyan school, participated in a cultural exchange programme, and signed up for the international Pen Pal Project to exchange letters with fellow students.
Bradford College is now helping improve lives further by supporting the school with teacher training, yearly teacher observations, and training sessions. Esther Wilkey, ESOL and GCSE English teacher, recently visited Kenya to continue a lesson observations programme and provide training.
Esther said: “I cannot put into words how exciting it is to be back and to work closely with Edward Bwire, the headteacher, to ensure the quality of education that is being delivered to the children.
“We were thrilled to see the way that teachers have embraced their praised practice to make their lessons more dynamic and inclusive for all learners. It is gratifying to see that this has facilitated great progress and moved the school to achieve first place in the regional results league table.”
Irene, a kindergarten teacher, thanked the College for the training, which has helped her teach a class of up to 50 students. She said: “I feel like my lessons are more fun now and I am confident to organise group activities and check that each child is learning.”
The ESOL department at Bradford College is now looking for ways to work with other College departments to offer this inspiring opportunity to more learners.
By expanding their support and knowledge, Bradford College aims to make an even bigger difference in the lives of students in Kenya and beyond.
ESOL courses are designed for students who do not speak English as a first language and give participants a greater chance of gaining employment. Collaborative programmes like these help ESOL students gain the tools to communicate successfully and connect with a global community.
* To learn more about Bradford College programmes, visit the ESOL webpage at bradfordcollege.ac.uk/adult-courses/esol
THREE Bradford College apprentices received recognition for outstanding work at the West Yorkshire Apprenticeship Awards, held at the Cedar Court Hotel.
Amy Hickie of Muirhead Dental Health was announced winner of the Advanced Apprentice of the Year award, highlighting her exceptional skills and commitment to the dental health sector. Charlotte Kelly of Bradford Cyrenians and Fizza Mumtaz of Bradford District Credit Union were commended after being nominated for the Professional Services Apprentice of the Year and Technology & Digital Apprentice of the Year awards respectively. Kelly McAllister, Head of Apprenticeships & Business Development, said: "We're incredibly proud of Amy, Charlotte, and Fizza's achievements. Their hard work, dedication, and passion for their chosen careers are truly inspiring."
Book your place at the Apprenticeships Recruitment Fair at the Bradford City Football Stadium on June 28, 10am-2pm. Visit bradfordcollege.ac.uk/events
THE West Riding County Football Association gave students a new viewpoint after they visited the Bradford College Sports department.
West Riding FA is the governing body of football in the county and one of the largest county football associations in the country, overseeing all aspects of the game in the region.
The workshop at Bradford College focussed on Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) and also gave students a chance to learn about the importance of celebrating respect and inclusion in sport - reflecting the College's own commitment to its diverse student community.
West Riding FA's EDI Lead, Ash Wallace, said: "Working with Bradford College lets us keep the conversation about EDI going strong among young athletes and anyone interested in sport."
* Bradford College offers a range of Level 1 - 3 sports courses.
To find out more go to the Bradford College website - bradfordcollege.ac.uk
BRADFORD College Ambition [HUB] students stepped into the limelight for their last masterclass of the year.
The group worked together to create mini-play performances using a scene from Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet for inspiration. Julia Smith, Theatre Practitioner and Co-ordinator at Bradford Theatres, led the inspiring session where students developed creativity and teamwork skills, as well as resilience and confidence.
Ambition [HUB], exclusively delivered by Bradford College, offers a new way of learning. Level 3 Travel & Tourism, Sport, Uniformed Public Services, and Performing Arts courses are completed alongside an extra layer of teaching. Alongside a qualification, students undertake employer projects and masterclasses such as the theatre workshop to boost all-round development and help set them apart from the competition. Learn more at bradfordcollege.ac.uk
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