Some of North Cyprus’ most deprived children are being given the chance to develop their bi-lingual skills thanks to the English Language Association of North Cyprus (ELA).
The ELA is running free weekly English language classes for children aged between six and 11 years old who are in the care of SOS Children’s Village in Lefkoşa.
Every Tuesday morning, a group of children are taught English by teacher Figen Rasmussen, who is using an alternative technique that takes place outside of the traditional class environment. The lessons are held in the colourful Merak Odası (Curiosity Room), a fun learning space that was specially created for SOS Children’s Village in 2012 by Kuzey Kıbrıs Turkcell.
Last month, SOS Children’s Village programme manager Ahmet Akarsu presented a certificate of appreciation to ELA founders Tom and Billie Roche, and to Ms Rasmussen.
Mr Akarsu said: “The ELA is providing a crucial service to the children getting care under our programmes. Many need extra help in English and language is an important asset, which they can carry into adult life.”
About SOS Children’s Village, TRNC
SOS Children’s Village is currently providing family-based care for 59 children at the Lefkoşa headquarters, and 47 young people at its Girne Youth Facility, which includes a semi-independent programme.
A further 145 children and 59 families receive health, education, material and psycho-social support from the Prevention of Child Abandonment & Family Strengthening Project, which is partly funded by the European Union and implemented by SOS Children’s Village.
Further projects are in the pipeline, which aim to reach more children at risk of abuse and neglect in the TRNC, details of which will soon be announced.
You can help support the work of the charity, which is part of an international network of SOS Children’s Villages, by sponsoring a child. More details here.
