Brighton MET hosts Community Celebration 

Brighton MET College hosted a Community Celebration to celebrate diversity and the achievements of our ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) students, including those seeking refuge and asylum in our community. 

Students received awards from teaching staff for their ESOL studies and for particular achievements such as learning to read or 100% attendance.

There was also a Community Hero award, which was voted for by ESOL staff and students as well as attendees from our local community, which was presented to the Jollof Café.

Linda Laurens, Head of Learning at Brighton MET, said: “I just wanted to say how brilliant the community celebration was, and to acknowledge all the lovely touches and thoughtful planning that had clearly gone into making it all happen.

“To see our students celebrate their achievements in such a joyful way was heartwarming and the affection they have for you all speaks volumes.

“A big thank you to all those involved in the organisation; especially at such a busy time for you all, and a shout out to our very talented musicians!”

The Community Celebration was a collaboration between our ESOL department and, Widening Participation Team, with support from our Student Experience Coordinator.

It also featured support from local groups such as: Hummingbird, Jubilee Library, ThirdSpace Theatre, Diversity Resource International (DRI) CIC, UniConnect brokered by the Sussex Learning Network, and Gladrags Costume Resource charity providing fun fancy dress.

Students’ past, present, and future attended and enjoyed the range of activities, entertainment, and refreshments, which had been brought in to share by the community attending. One child who attended said: “I would like to come to this college when I grow up”.

The community celebration was a great way for the college and community groups to give information, advice, and guidance to attendees. Attendees were also offered 1:1 support with their progression in education from our UniConnect Programme Coordinator.

To find out more about our community collaborative outreach work, please email wp@gbmc.ac.uk

If you would like to learn more about our ESOL courses, please visit: https://www.brightonmet.ac.uk/study-with-us/subjects/esol/