To integrate our students and trainees in mainstream education and the labour market, our provisions are developed through liaison with local education providers and employers.

Project

Recognising the social, cultural and personal needs of Bangladeshi women, Shantona responsively provides training and educational provisions to the ultimate end of supporting students and trainees to further their career prospects through education and employment related opportunities. Multiple barriers along side a lack of confidence and aspiration amongst our less academic client group is widely acknowledged and in turn particularly emphasised within our services, through such mechanisms as:

• Introductory courses to act as a steppingstone for easier access to mainstream education and training.
• Continuous consultation with learners to devise step-by-step action plans tailored to their needs. This is to ultimately broadens their opportunities in academic courses, voluntary work and employment
• One-to-one support for all students to monitor progress and overcome any barriers they may face in respect of their learning.
• Flexibility in the delivery of our educational courses and training, in terms of class times, location of study.

Provisions & Activities

All of our students and trainees are given one-to-one ‘hand holding’ support, to ensure that they are comfortable with their learning environment and that they are achieving their potential.

ESOL

The classes are delivered at Pre-entry level, entry level 1, 2 and 3. A diagnostic assessment is conducted with the students before enrolment and the classes are held on a part time basis during the day.

• Confidence Building-Spoken English
• Non-accredited course for those with very little spoken English skills.

Dress Making

Non-accredited course available to be taken-up in 10-week blocks. It includes pattern cutting and dress making for beginners.

Additional/One-to-One Support

Employment

Shantona Job Shop primarily offers one-to-one Job-search training; help with writing speculative letters, filling in application forms and learning effective interview techniques. It therefore includes:

•  1 to 1 Career guidance with individual clients
•  Skill-based workshops and training
•  Job search sessions using the internet and other sources.

Consequently, many of our previous trainees and volunteers on completion of their course have been offered employment at Sure Start, Haamla, Thomas Danby College, Resourcing The Community, and various local banks and call centres.