The Readings Foundation assists Victorian organisations that support the development of literacy, community integration and the arts. A few weeks ago, Grants Officer Leanne Hall sat in on an asylum seekers’ English class recently at Preston Reservoir Community Education – one of the seven projects being supported by the Foundation in 2016.

Tucked away in the unassuming back streets of Reservoir are the many buildings that make up Preston Reservoir Adult Community Education. This local training organisation punches well above its weight – offering accessible courses in English as an Additional Language, adult literacy, and VCAL, a high school equivalency certificate. Probably the most interesting building at PRACE is the tiny portable classroom located in the middle of a community vegetable garden, where I recently observed an English class in action.

The Readings Foundation has supported PRACE this year to run a weekly English class for 20 residents who are seeking asylum in Australia. There is a desperate shortage of English language learning opportunities for people seeking asylum, many of whom have been offered only very limited hours of tuition while in detention.

On the afternoon I visited, students were sharing what activities they’d like to participate in, with a Health Promotions Officer from Darebin Council. Walking, dancing, swimming and gardening were discussed as ways of improving their spirits and sense of well-being, and several students also expressed an interest in driver and traffic education and more conversation practice.

It was sobering for me to realise that all of these students had endured difficult journeys to Australia and detention on Christmas Island. They are now living in the community on bridging visas, hoping at best to be granted a Temporary Protection Visa, and allowed to live (at least for now) free from danger.

To classify what PRACE does as mere ‘English classes’ is really understating the breadth of support they offer. Teacher Deb Vallely not only helps with English learning but also provides personal support hours and is a trusted ally and confidant. Students receive a hot meal when they attend class and groceries provided by Second Bite.

Perhaps most importantly, the students form lasting friendships and connections, an essential part of trying to build a safe and stable life in Australia. Deb Vallely told me that one really valuable side effect of the program, just by the students being visible and active in the PRACE community centre, has been increasing understanding and connection in the local community and revising community attitudes to people seeking asylum.

Readings has been delighted to support the work of the passionate staff and volunteers at PRACE, to address the needs of such a vulnerable group of people who are trying hard to integrate into the local community.

Readings donates 10% of its overall profit to The Readings Foundation each year, and crucial funds are also raised from donations by Readings customers. Find out more here.