MESH (Migrant English Support Hub) have developed some free learning resources on ‘Family Challenges’ based on the video on ‘Young Caregiving in Transnational Families’ produced by the Transnational Families in Europe research project. The resources are made for ESOL tutors to use in their classes in a variety of situations, from volunteer tutors in community settings to those employed in colleges. As well as being an output of the research project, these resources fit into a collection of resources developed by MESH. Over the last few years, we have developed a range of locally-referenced resources for use in Yorkshire and the Humber, focusing on information that will be useful to migrants who have recently settled here. Topics include How the NHS works, Volunteering, and Food banks and Food Support, all of which can be accessed here.

The ‘Family Challenges’ resources highlight the challenges faced by transnational families, particularly those experienced by young people who find themselves in support or caring roles within their family. Learners can watch the video and then do a range of activities based on it, from a basic vocabulary focus for low level learners to more advanced reading and listening activities. For the more advanced activities we have used an interview with our very own Safina Arif. Safina grew up in a bi-lingual, multi-national family, and found herself in a support role for her parents in situations such as GP appointments and parent-teacher meetings. Along with the set of slides which form the main resource, there are also teacher notes with suggested teaching activities, and a Keywords list with Audio and example sentences.

The issues raised in this video will be close to the heart of many ESOL learners. We are very excited to be able to support the project and offer this classroom resource to tutors and learners.

By Angela Palmer, Development Worker, MESH.

Further information:

Access the free ESOL Learning Resources on ‘Family Challenges’

Read more in the blogpost about the Young Caregiving in Transnational Families film, co-produced with family participants and Rank and File Theatre performers with lived experience of migration and disability.

Read more about the Transnational Families in Europe: Care, Inequalities and Wellbeing research findings and recommendations.

Contact:

Angela Palmer, Development Worker, MESH.

Email: info@yhmesh.org.uk.