St Francis – who are one of five partners on the MyCoventry project – kicked off the festive season in style celebrating the remarkable achievements of new arrivals who had taken part in initiatives from MyCoventry to Building Bridges and everything in between.
Selina Read, Project Manager at St Francis, opened the night with a wonderful keynote speech to a packed-out church, praising everyone’s incredible achievements in what has been a year fraught with challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hailing from all over the world, the participants arrive on programmes such as MyCoventry needing support with a host of integrational needs that include employment, English language skills, mental health and more.
The impact of the project in conjunction with the hard work of the projects’ participants has been profound and far-reaching, with one participant going onto work for one of the UK’s most beloved and well-known organisations – the NHS.
The difference that the integration support of St Francis and co had made to new arrivals, was perhaps best personified by one very happy and smiley woman called Hikama Jada.
Hikama won an award for Outstanding Commitment in her ESOL classes, improving her written and spoken English skills tremendously and displaying her thoroughly deserved joy when collecting her award as she leapt for into the air and beamed from ear-to-ear.
It served as a gentle reminder as to why it’s vital to support new arrivals; seeing the progress they’ve all made in their integration journeys whether that’s improving their English skills, securing full-time work or education, or simply taking on new challenges through volunteering or accredited courses, is a testament to their hard work, resilience and determination to integrate and contribute positively to their own lives and the lives of others around them.
With speeches made by the Lord Mayor, Councillor John McNicholas, Cabinet Member for Adult Services, Councillor Mal Mutton, and Head of Migration and Library Services, Peter Barnett CBE, the night was full of wholesome platitudes, warmth and not to mention delicious cakes.
Praising the strength and humility of the awards recipients, Lord Mayor, Councillor John McNicholas, said: “It is not easy to move to a new city in a different country. Becoming part of a new community can be challenging and many who come here have fled war and persecution, often leaving loved ones behind.
“Thank you to all at St Francis, MyCoventry and beyond for all they do for our city, and the way they work with the Council’s Migration Team and other organisations to provide the best support possible – and a smiling, welcoming face to go with it.
“We are so proud of Coventry’s reputation as a city of welcome. And we are so thankful for everything our new arrivals bring to our lives. They have helped us be named UK City of Culture and we are using this year to show others the joys of diversity and welcome and inspire them to follow in our footsteps.
“Well done to all of the award recipients, I wish you all the very best of luck for whatever the future holds for you”.
Dajana Vasilj, Project Manager on the MyCoventry project, added: “We’ve had an incredible first year on the project and the awards evening was the icing on the cake, rounding off a superb year for all involved.
“Each of our partners on the project have worked tirelessly throughout the year to support new arrivals and it’s extremely fulfilling knowing that both the partners and participants alike are reaping the rewards of their hard work. “I would also like to take this opportunity to thank our brilliant partners, St Francis Employability – and the other organisations on our project – for continuously working so hard to support those who need it most, we very much look forward to continuing our fantastic work into 2022”.
Pictured: The happy, smiley lady, Hikama Jada celebrating with her award certificate.
