April 15, 2025, by Joe
Gladys Poon – Refugee Roots
My Placement at Refugee Roots
Hi, I’m Gladys, a first-year undergraduate education student. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to work with Refugee Roots as an activity assistant. During my placement, I primarily supported English classes, including the Women’s Group, Trinity English, and Access English. Refugee Roots is a Nottingham-based charity that fosters a sense of belonging for refugees and asylum seekers. Overall, my experience has been incredibly enriching and rewarding, broadening my understanding of community needs that bolster long-term integration.
Embracing Challenges and Adaptability
In a room with varying levels of proficiency, our role is crucial as we need to be observant, flexible, and ready to provide guidance. One of my most memorable experiences was explaining different terms to learners. I struggled to convey the meaning of essential words like cereal or concepts like on versus above. It has encouraged me to consider the nuances in language and underscored the importance of patience and adaptability in teaching. When something isn’t clear, I put myself into their shoes, rephrasing it with different approaches or finding alternative ways to make the concept more tangible. This process has strengthened my communication skills and taught me to think more creatively when explaining ideas, enabling me to scaffold learners more effectively. Along with this, I have come to recognize the importance of building students’ confidence.
A tutor once told me that I could easily go through the entire worksheet within 10 minutes, but can they take the most out of it? That moment really shifted my perspective. Instead of solely focusing on the completion of the material, I started paying more attention to creating space for them to speak. It’s not always about getting the right answers; it’s about giving them the confidence to use English, even if they make mistakes. Seeing them gradually become more comfortable expressing themselves has made me realize that an encouraging environment could foster student confidence.
Fostering Confidence and Creating Space to Learn
Additionally, I am truly grateful for the support and encouragement I received from Refugee Roots throughout my placement. When I expressed an interest in leading sessions, they were very open-minded and receptive to new ideas, giving me the freedom to bring my vision to life. Currently, I am working on a session focused on medical terminology, inspired by a news article highlighting the language barriers they face when accessing healthcare services. Where I will be teaching common medical phrases and practical applications, such as making an emergency call and describing symptoms. Furthermore, Refugee Roots actively fosters collaboration with organizations like Streetwise Opera and Primary. These collaborations have provided me with valuable opportunities to engage with diverse groups, widening my understanding of community needs.
A Rewarding Experience
Looking back, my placement at Refugee Roots has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. It has deepened my passion for education, accessibility, and community support. More importantly, it has taught me that the true impact of teaching goes beyond just imparting knowledge. It has shown me that building relationships and instilling confidence can be just as transformative as the lessons we teach. I’ve learned the importance of being a good listener, showing empathy, and tailoring my approach to each individual’s needs. This experience has inspired me to continue supporting and contributing to different communities in society.For anyone considering a placement, I wholeheartedly encourage you to seize the opportunity, regardless of your field of study or year. Even though I’m only in my first year, it didn’t limit my chances of being selected. I believe what truly matters is being well-prepared, being proactive, and showing genuine passion for the role.
Refugee Roots offers a wide range of volunteering opportunities beyond placements. If you’re interested, visit their website to learn more: https://www.refugeeroots.org.uk/
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