Don't Lose ESOL! Middlesbrough Campaign update

Jon Bryan (UCU's National Executive)

shows the union's support for ESOL staff and students

David Branson, UCU Branch Chair at Middlesbrough College,

speaks out against government cuts

The protest in Middlesbrough gains support on the streets

DON'T LOSE ESOL!

This was the message on Saturday 3rd March as the campaign took to the streets with a lively march and a rally in Middlesbrough City Centre. The march was part of a week of action with events organised throughout the region to protest at government plans to cut funding for ESOL courses.

Tees Valley World Drummers kept the spirits of marchers high as speakers condemned the government hypocrisy and praised the staff and students for the ESOL classes that have meant so much to so many people.

UCU members from Newcastle, Middlesbrough, Deerbolt Prison Education, and New College Durham all showed their support for the Don't Lose ESOL campaign which continues to gain support amongst MPs, Refugee Groups, and the general public. Speakers from UCU praised the work of staff and students in ESOL classes across Teesside.

Pete Widlinski, North of England Refugee Service told the rally of how ESOL classes have helped many migrants and people seeking asylum integrate into the local community.

Those at the march and rally also went to Lobby Parliament earlier in the week, which drew the attention of the press to our campaign:

http://www.gazettelive.co.uk/news/news/tm_headline=students-fighting-to-save-english-courses&method=full&objectid=18701517&siteid=109975-name_page.html

Helen Weir, Middlesbrough Adult Education Service and Tees Valley Campaign to Save ESOL, has kept the campaign against the cuts in the public eye and spoke out criticising government plans earlier this year:

http://www.gazettelive.co.uk/heraldandpost/eastcleveland/tm_method=full&objectid=18528055&siteid=109975-name_page.html

Sign the Online Petition to SAVE ESOL:

http://www.ucu.org.uk/index.cfm?articleid=2014