Bringing Communities Together, One Lesson at a Time 📚🌍

Take a look at the smiling faces from our free Pre-ESOL, ESOL, and Basic IT classes — a project that has become one of the true heartbeats of West African Development. Surrounded by flags representing the many nations our learners call home, this photo captures exactly what these sessions are about: welcoming people from all walks of life and equipping them with the tools to thrive in the UK.

Since launching, our ESOL classes have helped new migrants build the confidence and skills to navigate everyday life in Britain — from everyday conversations and reading letters, to filling out forms and understanding local services. For so many of our learners, English wasn’t just a subject to study; it was the key that unlocked independence, employment opportunities, and a genuine sense of belonging in their new communities.

We’ve been especially proud to see just how far our students have come. One of our learners has gone on to enrol at Oldham College, a huge personal milestone made possible by the strong foundation built in these classes. It’s a brilliant example of what ESOL provision can do — turning first steps in a new language into real, life-changing pathways into education and employment.

None of this would be possible without the dedication of our wonderful tutor, Josette Emeraude, whose patience, warmth, and commitment to every single student shines through in sessions week after week. Josette has created a classroom where people feel safe to make mistakes, ask questions, and grow — and it shows in the progress our learners continue to make.

The best part? This journey is far from over. Our ESOL classes are still running every Thursday, 6pm–8pm, and Saturday, 10am–1pm, at the West African Development Heritage Centre — and we’d love to welcome even more members of our community through the doors.

Learning a language is learning to belong. 💚🖤❤️