INSTITUTION RESPONSIBLE FOR THE INITIATIVE
University of East London
Address
University of East London
University Way
London, E16 2RD
United Kingdom
WEB SITE OF THE INITIATIVE
TYPOLOGY
- Language and other introductory courses for refugee students
- Tutoring and peer support for refugee students
- University policies on access to higher education
TARGET GROUPS
- Newly arrived refugees
- Students
DESCRIPTION AND METHODOLOGIES
Introduction
The OLIve course is co-funded by the Erasmus+ programme together with University of East London's Civic Engagement Fund and organised in partnership with the Central European University in Budapest, University of Vienna and the European Network Against Racism (ENAR).
The University of East London is offering a 10-week course for refugees and asylum seekers in the UK. The aim of the course is to introduce refugees and asylum seekers to Higher Education. It offers an opportunity for students to find out what skills and knowledge are needed in order to apply for and succeed in Higher Education in the UK and provides information about pathways and opportunities.
Activities
The course provides modules and workshops in English language and academic writing, research skills, academic tutoring and introduction to academic discussions. A certificate of attendance is available for all who attend the offered workshops. Please note that this is not an accredited programme and does not give students an automatic access to other UEL courses.
Forty places are available on the course, which will provide seminars and workshops in higher education reading and writing, English language for academic purposes, computer skills and issues around social sciences, migration, and globalisation.
Organisations working with refugees such as Refugee Support Network, Star Network and various others are invited to attend teaching days to meet course participants and offer advice on a range of issues affecting their lives.
RESULTS AND IMPACT
Impact
Refugees and asylum seekers in the UK will have the chance to transform their lives thanks to a new pathway to higher education being offered by the University of East London (UEL).
Strengths
the Open Learning Initative (OLIve) that will give refugees and asylum seekers the educational grounding to progress to a foundation course and ultimately a full bachelor degree.
The new course builds on UEL’s reputation as a leader in refugee education and issues with a proud history of supporting refugees' entry to higher education.
The University is home to the Centre for Migration, Refugees and Belonging and hosts the Refugee Council Archive the most important collection worldwide of books, journals, reports and films on forced migration.
“The OLIve programme will build on our specialism and postgraduate degree in refugee studies, our experiences on the ground in Calais and our commitment to civic engagement and widening participation,” said Dr Lounasmaa.
A lot of students have successfully finished the course.
Challenges
"We know that there is a real demand of educational support among refugees, who are often unable to access paid work and formal education or apply for financial support."
“All European countries are currently hosting exceptionally high numbers of refugees, so it’s particularly important that we have partnered with other European universities and organisations to share knowledge and experience.”, said Dr Aura Lounasmaa, a lecturer at UEL’s School of Social Sciences, who will oversee the new OLIve programme.
