Refugee and asylum seeker students complete academic literacy series with Oxford

Pictured (left to right): Departmental Lecturer Dr Ben Grant, Senior Course Administrator David Hewitt, two students from the workshop, tutor Garry Maguire, a student from the workshop.

Last month saw the successful completion of the first series of workshop sessions for asylum seekers and refugees offered by Oxford Continuing Education. These sessions, focusing on Academic Communication in English, are the first in a series of educational workshops for refugees and asylum seekers, funded by a £20,000 bid awarded to three Department members from Oxford University’s Diversity Fund. 

The workshops were organised by Dr Ben Grant, Departmental Lecturer in English Literature, in collaboration with Asylum Welcome, a charitable organisation offering information, advice and practical support to asylum seekers, refugees and vulnerable migrants living in Oxfordshire. The sessions are intended to enhance the skills and confidence of refugees and asylum seekers resident in Oxfordshire. ‘It has been hugely rewarding for me to work with Asylum Welcome, the talented students on the course, and Garry, the tutor,’ said Ben. ‘As a University of Sanctuary, it is essential that we do all we can to help those from displaced backgrounds who live in Oxford, and I’m sure that what we have learnt in putting on these workshops will enable us to provide more learning opportunities and support in the future.’ 

Students taking notes in their final session of the Academic Communication in English workshop.

Rhiannon Lovell from Asylum Welcome commented on working with Oxford Continuing Education, ‘they have been really receptive to suggestions and are clearly keen to do what they can to support our clients to realise their ambitions. Many of our clients are very capable and are keen to continue their studies in the UK, they just need a little extra support. This course has given them the building blocks and confidence they needed to do that.’ 

Gallock, one of the students who took part in the sessions, said that the workshop has ‘enhanced my understanding of how to communicate in academic circles, how to write a report, how to write a thesis – even though I have done it before, this study took me to a different level.’ 

Students from the Academic Communication in English workshop smile for a photo with tutor, Garry Maguire.

Garry Maguire, who tutored the students, commented that ‘the design and teaching of academic literacy communication skills courses has long been a source of great personal satisfaction for me. It has been particularly rewarding to be involved in this initiative, with such a highly motivated group, forced to abandon their studies and research and so keen to refocus on their academic careers and their potential future contributions to society.’ 

Fellow student, Nahid, described herself and the other participating students as ambitious to advance in academia, onto postgraduate study and other continuing education opportunities and that the workshop has been a critical step in their advancement. ‘Having the knowledge, understanding and applying the skill of academic communication is really crucial for every student that intends to enter academia and write academic papers.’ 

There are plans to deliver another two series of workshops as part of this project, with the next one being in computer coding. 

Learn more:

• Asylum Welcome