An investigation of ESOL provision for adult Syrian refugees in Ireland: voices of support providers

Abstract

This chapter describes a research project entitled An investigation of language and intercultural support for Syrian refugees in Ireland which explored the language and intercultural needs and supports provided to Syrian refugees who are resettling in towns across Ireland under the Irish Refugee Protection Programme (IRPP). This chapter focuses on the findings in relation to the provision of ESOL courses for adult refugees in the programme delivered by the local Education and Training Boards (ETBs). Through consultation with support providers from educational, community and NGO sectors across a number of resettlement towns in Ireland, the researchers seek to evaluate existing services, identify needs, and inform the development of additional supports in relation to English language supports for Syrian refugees in Ireland. Findings suggest that there are important lessons to be learnt in relation to the duration, intensity, content and format of the ESOL provision provided to these students and highlight an urgent need for the development of clear guidelines and appropriate training for the support providers involved