The easing of lockdown restrictions has been a welcome change for many, including a small group of Narrabri residents whose first language is not English.
The culturally diverse class have been meeting together for almost two years to practice English.
They currently gather at the Narrabri Thai Home restaurant, for an hour of learning followed by a shared morning tea.
The initiative began back in 2019 thanks to dedicated local educators Jill Jollow (former Narrabri Public School teacher), Elizabeth McPhee (retired teacher) and Julia Berney (former university lecturer and now learning skills advisor at the Country Universities Centre).
The group of enthusiastic learners have certainly felt the impact of on-again-off-again lockdowns and COVID-19 restrictions.
Dr Berney says the classes initially began to improve the English skills of some of the mums of children at Narrabri’s primary schools, as well as to ease the isolation experienced by people from non-English speaking backgrounds.
“Mrs Jollow and Marion Tame at the public school noticed some of the migrant mothers were struggling as a result of language and social barriers,” Dr Berney said.
“One major hurdle the parents had problems with was communicating with their children’s teachers.
“And unfortunately many small regional communities, like ours, don’t have access to face-to-face English teaching resources through TAFE or other institutions.
“It’s a different story for culturally diverse people living in metropolitan areas, but learning English is just as important to those living in regional NSW.
“Not only that, but even if there were formal classes available, these can often be quite expensive and many locals would simply be costed out of such opportunities.”
With her background in subjects such as language other than English (LOTE) and English as a second language, Dr Berney was more than happy to help teach those in need.
Over the last two years, English learners have come from countries as diverse as Nigeria, India, Pakistan, Korea, Cambodia, the Philippines, Thailand and Sri Lanka.
“I bring my portable whiteboard and we learn together each week,” she said.
“And our classes run during the school term, so the parents are free to meet while the children are at school.
“But the social aspect of these meetings is just as important as the new language skills being learnt – there’s a lot to be said about sharing a meal together with friends, especially as the pandemic has had such an impact on many of us.
“And we’re always welcoming more students and teachers to our group – if you’d like to join us, simply call the Thai Home.”
Restaurant owners, Gerawan and Phongphan Gerdnoi, and their classmates Erlande Toms and Sophan Jim are also excited to extend a warm welcome to other migrants who may need help with their English abilities.
“We are so happy that Julia teaches us for free,” Ms Toms said.
“Before these meetings, I could only learn some English from TV and online, but I found talking in real-life was better – I feel very lucky.”
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