Ballyhoura English Conversation Clubs
English language conversation clubs in the Ballyhoura Region.
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“The speaking club for me is a nice opportunity to improve my English. I like when local residents attend to our club and I can listen to native speakers”- Learner
This project provided English language conversation clubs in local communities across the Ballyhoura region. It aimed to develop everyday English language skills for migrants living in rural communities.
The project took place between June and December 2024 across the Ballyhoura region, covering east Limerick and north-east Cork. These locations included Kilmallock, Bruff, Hospital, Croom, Kilfinane, Cappamore, Charleville, and Mitchelstown. 30 volunteers and 110 migrants joined the clubs overall.
The project provided migrants with opportunities to practice everyday English, which helped their integration into local communities. Participants formed meaningful connections with local volunteers, who played a crucial role in fostering a welcoming environment.
Conversation clubs were scheduled around ETB class times and local bus routes to maximize attendance and accessibility. Clubs were also tailored to different English proficiency levels.
The project expanded English language provision by creating opportunities for migrants to practice their skills outside formal classes.
The project also helped migrants overcome English language barriers, access supports and services, and engage more fully in society.
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Learners attending an English conversation club in Ballyhoura.
This project was a collaboration between Ballyhoura Development, the Hospital Family Resource Centre, Third Age Foundation, Kilfinane Community Council, and Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board (LCETB).
For more information about the project, please contact Tom Kent, Regional Literacy Coordinator at Limerick and Clare ETB, at tom.kent@lcetb.ie
The Adult Literacy for Life Collaboration and Innovation Fund
The Collaboration and Innovation Fund supports projects for adults with unmet literacy, numeracy and digital literacy needs and projects that support organisations to be literacy friendly. The closing date for 2024 applications has now passed but keep an eye out for information on our 2025 fund which will be launched in December.
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