NATECLA: Celebrating diversity, not hostility

NATECLA deplores the ongoing hostile climate and scapegoating of refugees, people seeking asylum and others who have made their home here.

As the professional body for ESOL and community language teachers throughout the UK and Ireland, we have first-hand experience of the huge benefits of a multilingual, multi-ethnic and multicultural society where people share experiences and learn from each other. We know how this enhances overall wellbeing.

It’s immensely dispiriting to hear dehumanising and racist discourses about people we work and share our lives with, and shameful that these narratives are becoming emboldened and adopted by mainstream politicians.

ESOL classrooms are all about openness, sharing and exchange. We call on all who share these values to speak up and show there is an alternative to a climate of fear and hate.