The College will be working with Syrians to help improve their English Language skills, helping to make their integration to Scottish life easier, and allowing them to really contribute to their local communities.
Head of Hospitality, Tourism and Languages Jim McAllister sees the College as having an important part to play in welcoming these refugees and assisting their integration to Scottish life and society.
“When we realised the West Region was contributing to the wider refugee relocation efforts I knew West College Scotland would wish to assist where we could."
"As a college we have an important role to play in encouraging diversity and integration in wider society."
“We already have an incredibly diverse range of students in our faculty and we are always keen to welcome more. It will not be easy coming to a new country, especially if communication is a problem. However I am confident that our lecturers are among the best around, and I know they’ll make integration smoother where possible for everyone in the community.”
Elsewhere in the College, Robin Chandler, recent West College Scotland HND Visual Communications graduate and Student Experience Assistant, has already been preparing for their arrival.
“I live on Bute, and it’s such a small community, many here have been worried about Syrian refugees coming to the island. I can understand some people might have concerns, it’s typical of a small place, but I wanted to make sure our new residents felt at home.”
“I contacted the Council to see what I could do. They were keen for local people to welcome our new residents, and now myself and others are volunteers at a Pop-Up Welcome Hub. We’re linking up with lots of organisations, including the College, to provide support and advice. It’ll be a place where they can access support, and really become part of the community. They have some great skills and I know they have a lot to contribute to our small island. The first people are arriving shortly and I can’t wait to welcome them.”
Robin is already working hard to make the Hub a success, and early on put the skills she learned at College to good use.
“I work as an Adult Literacy Tutor, and I’m hoping that will help. But already the skills I learned at West College Scotland have been useful. I’ve designed security badges for myself and the other volunteers, to make sure the right people are helping our new residents.”
Robin also hopes that in her position as Student Experience Assistant she can help welcome these new residents to the College.
“I’ll be telling Bute’s new residents about what the College can offer them, and hopefully I’ll be welcoming them here soon.”
Clare Fraser, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Manager at West College Scotland says there is a welcoming attitude throughout the College.
“West College Scotland is dedicated to delivering education to those at the furthest reaches of society, whatever the reason. All our campuses have strong traditions of welcoming students from a diverse range of backgrounds, and the College also welcomes international students from all over the world."
“We encourage a diverse atmosphere, exposing students and the local area to new experiences and cultures; providing education for all, for the benefit of everyone."
"We’re looking forward to welcoming some of West Scotland’s newest residents to study at the College in the near future.”
It’s set to be a busy winter for West College Scotland lecturers, and for Robin, and though it’s a big change for some in the West of Scotland, she’s looking forward to making it work.
“They didn’t want to leave home, but have been forced to for their safety, travelling hundreds of miles to a small, wet and windy corner of Scotland. It might not be easy for them at first, but we’re determined to welcome them with open arms and help them feel at home.”