News

Trainees overcome language barrier

Ten women who took part in an award-winning minority ethnic childcare project developed by Aberdeen City Council received childcare certificates at a special graduation ceremony last week. The women, who came from Chinese, Persian and Kurdish backgrounds, all gained SVQ Level 2 in Early Years Care and Education, along with certificates in hygiene and first aid.
Ten women who took part in an award-winning minority ethnic childcare project developed by Aberdeen City Council received childcare certificates at a special graduation ceremony last week.

The women, who came from Chinese, Persian and Kurdish backgrounds, all gained SVQ Level 2 in Early Years Care and Education, along with certificates in hygiene and first aid.

They are the second cohort to have completed the training. The project was initially developed by the Council in 2001 and funded by the European Social Fund.

The project targeted women who had a strong desire to work with children but lacked the confidence to attend mainstream courses because they did not speak fluent English. The council provided Cantonese, Farsi and Arabic interpreters.

A total of 19 women have now completed the training course, which was delivered in partnership with the Association of Quality Nurseries Scotland and Aberdeen College.

Development officer Cherrie Collins said, 'Many of the women had no confidence using English, which left them feeling isolated, homesick and lonely. But two years later they have made friends, learned valuable skills and gained confidence. One who graduated this week has already been offered a part-time job.

'The first group trained have also been successful. Two have become registered childminders, one works in the private sector and others are working with minority ethnic groups in a variety of childcare settings.'