The Refugee Education and Employment Programme (REEP) provides educational support and guidance to refugees and asylum seekers to ensure that they can begin to integrate fully into the social and economic life of the community. The programme is often the first point of contact for meeting other refugees and beginning the process of studying and seeking employment. This group suffers multiple disadvantages, social and labour exclusion and specific experience of disadvantage in mainstream training and educational programmes. This is due to language, educational and cultural barriers. The programme provides a safe, non-threatening, environment which allows the clients to rebuild their lives, learn English and gain access to mainstream services and opportunities. REEP has a holistic approach in its work with refugees and asylum seekers. This is demonstrated through the services it provides, for example, formal and informal classes, one to one support, signposting to other support and a social meeting place for refugees to give each other support and learn from each other.

Careers advice and guidance (IAG) is provided by our Advice & Guidance Worker with assistance from the Refugee Support Worker. Help is given to individuals with job search skills, job applications, interview techniques, letters and CV’s. Students make use of an established careers library and the current vacancies notice board. Education and training advice is also available. Both workers have personal experience of refugee issues and the project’s work.

Mentoring Project
This project recruits and trains volunteers who offer one to one tutorial support to students in English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), from pre-entry level upwards, Literacy, Numeracy and Study Skills. This enables refugees and asylum seekers to achieve their full potential and improve their opportunities.

Volunteers
We have a strong commitment to our volunteers and offer them induction days, volunteer training and on going support. All volunteers are required to attend the volunteer Tutor Training Course that is accredited at level 2 and 3 by the National Open College Network (NOCN). The course is divided into two parts; Cultural Awareness and an introduction to Teaching Methodology. Volunteers play a major role, not only in teaching, but also in introducing the students to a different culture.

ESOL Classes
Classes are provided in ESOL (English for speakers of other languages) at Pre Entry, Entry 1, 2 & 3 and are mapped to the National Curriculum. All students’ work can be accredited by Trinity College. Students attend between 4 - 6 hours per week and are encouraged to practice English through taking part in social and recreational activities. In addition further support can be offered through basic skills classes and one-to-one mentoring. Our classes are often a springboard for those unable to access mainstream classes at that point in their life, supporting progression at an appropriate point.

Women’s Class
REEP hosts an ESOL course for women, always popular and oversubscribed. This group of students have come through the mentoring system, and moved onto classes, gaining confidence and building friendships.

Job search Skills Courses
Learners have the opportunity to prepare CV’s, attend interview and confidence building workshops and listen to other speakers giving opportunities on training and employment. Learners also have the option to follow courses in basic IT (mainly word processing and using the Internet), and specific areas such as writing letters, help with job application forms etc.

Students
REEP was set up in 1992 and since then has worked with refugees from many different countries including; Vietnam, Algeria, Azerbaijan, Bosnia, Columbia, Ecuador, Iran, Iraq, Ivory Coast, Kurdistan, Latvia, Liberia, Somalia, Kosovo, Afghanistan, Sudan, Turkey, Angola, Eritrea, Congo and the Yemen.

Funding
REEP is extremely grateful to all its funders and over the years has received funding from many different sources: from statutory funders to Charitable Trusts and individual donations.