<h2>‘Living Well in Christchurch’ is unique as an English class. It is for former refugees who have little or no previous education, no English, and are deaf.</h2>
<p>This special English class has just won a major award at the annual<em> ACE Aotearoa Awards.</em></p>
<p>The programme, run by English Language Partners (ELPNZ), won 2018 ‘Community-based programme of the year, Tangata Tiriti’ in Wellington on June 13, at Te Papa.</p>
<p>Nicola Sutton, Chief Executive ELPNZ is thrilled with the win.</p>
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<p>“The learners, and teachers involved in this programme all work so hard to ensure that deaf refugees can communicate and live confidently in their new home.”</p>
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<p>Most of the learners are from Bhutan and need specialized help to settle well in New Zealand.</p>
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<p>“Many have spent years in refugee camps and experienced hardship and trauma,” says Ms Sutton.</p>
<p>“Most have had no previous education and, in some cases, have no previous knowledge of any language, including formal sign language”.</p>
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<p>By learning to communicate in NZ Sign Language, the participants are able to interact with many Kiwi communities, including the deaf community. Students also learn to write and read in English.</p>
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<p>Ms Sutton attended the awards evening and says: “What’s amazing is that they’re so keen to learn and to become active members of the community.”</p>
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<p>The class has one deaf teacher and one hearing teacher who is proficient in NZSL.</p>
<p>ELPNZ teaches English to former refugees and migrants so they can settle well in New Zealand. Provision for refugees is a priority.</p>
<p>Classes are organised with input and support from other community organisations.</p>

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