ESOL

Stoll is offering free ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) classes to support its Gurkha residents and their families improve their English and engage more confidently with the wider community.

The Countess of Wessex House in Feltham is a purpose built 36-flat development for ex-Service personnel with community spaces and therapeutic landscaping. It has a large Gurkha community and the new course has proved extremely popular with up to 18 residents attending each week. The course is being delivered by a tutor provided through English for Action, a charity providing ESOL teaching in the community.  The tutor is also being supported by a volunteer from AFNO (Advocacy for Nepalese Organisation).

At Stoll, we believe that providing a safe and suitable home is the first step to vulnerable Veterans being able to rebuild their lives. But it’s also crucial for us to provide the opportunity to learn new skills and for the Gurkha community in Hounslow, learning English is an essential way of integrating into the local community.

Given the success of this pilot, we are currently looking for additional funding to enable us to offer more classes and meet the different needs of our residents. We would be delighted to hear from any potential funders for this vital project.