St Mary le Wigford church - a Ukrainian Culture Centre that regularly welcomes Ukrainian refugees, hosted a live ITV production curated by Lincoln College Ukrainian ESOL student - to mark a year since welcoming Ukrainian refugees to the Lincoln area.
The documentary sheds light on the life-changing experiences of refugees who have fled their homes due to the ongoing war in Ukraine. Hanna Dzoba, an ITV Journalist who curated the production, worked in Ukraine before being relocated to the UK, leaving her life and career behind. Having seen the effects of war firsthand, she wanted to use her skills to tell the stories of those affected by the conflict.
The documentary is a testament to the bravery and admiration of people affected by the war. Through the medium of film, Hanna has given a voice to those who may have been otherwise unheard - highlighting the resilience, sacrifice and determination of those who have fled their homes in search of safety. Despite facing unimaginable hardship, the refugees featured in the documentary have managed to rebuild their lives in a new country.
Mark Locking, Principal and CEO at Lincoln College said “The dedication of Ukrainian students in the face of adversity is truly inspiring. At Lincoln College, we are honoured to support their pursuit of education and witness their determination to build a new life. Their unwavering commitment is a testament to their resilience.”
Sean Knight, Head of Adult Education, said, “The documentary shares just a few of the many courageous stories and the fortitude and hope that define our ESOL learners. Our ESOL Level 2 Skills for Life student, Hanna Dzoba, is an admirable person; her achievements are remarkable.”
Christian Bartlett, ESOL Language Lecturer at Lincoln College, said “The Ukrainians more than anybody else in our student cohort are very focused, energetic and motivated and that is despite the fact they have very busy lives, lots of commitments and also, they have quite a lot to worry about.”
Refugees can integrate into their new communities and contribute to society with support and resources. The various ESOL qualifications delivered by Lincoln College have played a significant role in helping refugees in the Lincoln area - by providing language and literacy skills - the course has enabled refugees to communicate and interact with their new community.
The tribute is a powerful reminder of the importance of supporting refugees in our communities, accentuating the strength and resilience of those who have fled their homes due to war and conflict.
If you or someone you know is interested in developing language skills, you can find out more about our ESOL Skills for Life Speaking and Listening Level 1 online here. Alternatively, you can E-mail ESOL@lincolncollege.ac.uk or call the Digital Engagement Team on 01522 876254.
