Failte Isteach comes to Navan

Fáilte Isteach, a community project where older volunteers welcome new migrants through conversational English classes, has opened a new centre in Navan, and is encouraging all who need to improve their English language skills to attend the free lessons. The project, which is already operating successfully in 21 centres around the country, is helping to build stronger, more integrated communities through the practical, welcoming and inclusive manner in which the programme is delivered. The classes are ultimately centred on the needs of the new migrant students. Each week, a topic is chosen for discussion - from everyday situations such as 'visiting the doctor', 'shopping' or 'going to the bank' to more complex, practical lessons based on 'form-filling' or debates on topical issues. First established in 2006 in Summerhill by Mary Nally of the Third Age Foundation, the project was launched nationally in 2008 and, less than two years later, 260 trained volunteer tutors now teach basic conversational English to over 500 migrants from 55 different countries at classes held nationwide each week. Mary Nally said: "I know from experience that Fáilte Isteach makes a huge difference to the lives of so many and I'm delighted to have five centres up and running here in Meath, a county which has welcomed migrants from all over the world. It is a positive reflection on the community that so many people are willing to give their energy, enthusiasm and commitment to promote social inclusion by helping others in their community to improve their quality of living, to boost their confidence and to forge new friendships. We look forward to opening up many more centres throughout the country." The classes in Navan take place every Thursday evening between 7pm-9pm in the VEC building on Abbey Road, which is kindly provided for the classes. New migrants with all levels of English are welcome to attend. Fáilte Isteach in Navan is supported by Cultúr. Anyone who would like to find out more about the Fáilte Isteach project should contact Liam or Ariana on (046) 955 7766 or via email to failteisteach@thirdagefoundation.ie