English Language Partners learners from our Palmerston North centre participate in the community.

ELP Palmerston North offers a free ESOL Intensive class 15 hours a week. Students have the opportunities to learn English inside and outside the classroom and get involved in community events. One recent opportunity was setting up stalls at the UCOL Flavour of Cultures event. There were displays of cultural items and homemade wares that the students made for sale.

The students made and stitched the lovely patterns on pencil cases, hand bags, aprons, traditional dresses, scarves, hijabs, bags, cover bags and pillow cases. There was a dressing up Sari session at the Bhutanese stall. Visitors tried traditional cultural food from the different food stalls and food trucks serving Spanish and Mediterranean cuisine.

There were a diverse range of colourful and creative cultural performances. Pa Kye Nay performed a traditional song with an instrument that he had made with wood while Hkin Maung complemented the music by playing a flute. The flute is a traditional musical instrument used by Karen people on special occasions.

This event enabled communities to connect with each other through food, art, creativity and culture!

If you or someone you know would benefit from English classes, be sure to contact your nearest centre to discuss the most appropriate programme for your skills and needs.