Wirral's independent local news website
Wirral Change in Birkenhead is the venue for a Ukrainian Celebration event to be held on Sunday 21 August.
When Russia invaded Ukraine, people were forced to flee their home country and seek refuge elsewhere in Europe and beyond.
Some Ukrainian refugees made their way to Wirral and it was this that prompted Abi Williams to organise the event.
Recently qualified as a CELTA teacher (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults), Abi noticed there were a number of Ukrainian people locally who wanted to learn English.
Abi told birkenhead.news that since qualifying as a CELTA teacher, she has started teaching ‘English as a Second Language’ (ESL) as a job, but also to offer her time on a voluntary basis teaching English to the refugees for free. “I decided to do some voluntary work, because of the influx of Ukrainian refugees and the lack of provision for English lessons in the area. I decided to run some free ESL lessons for Ukrainian refugees,” She said.
Lessons were first held at the Green Community Shop in Oxton, but so many people attended that Abi needed to find a bigger space. She was made aware of a more suitable space just down the road at Christ Church,
Abi said, “They very kindly offered us the space for free to be able to continue the lessons. It’s more of a classroom setting with tables and chairs.”
Speaking of the celebration event, Abi said, “It’s a day of celebration. It’s something for Ukrainians to do to take their mind off the things that are still going on back home.
“It’s a day of fun for everyone. It’s a community event and it’s not just for Ukrainians, it’s for the whole community. It’s open to everyone!”
Entry to the event is free and there will be lots of free activities to do, such as bouncy castles, stalls from local businesses selling products such as cakes, and milkshakes. There will also be face painters and donkey rides.
Yusuf Taylor from Wirral Change said, “I feel honoured to be part of an organisation such as Wirral Change and the effort we are playing in providing services to Ukrainians in their time of need.
“So, it only seems right for us to facilitate this exciting event for Abi. I am looking forward to seeing the Wirral community enjoying themselves on the day.”
Abi concluded by saying, “It’ll be lots of fun for all the family and for the whole community – a family day and everybody’s invited.”
The event takes place at Wirral Change (the old St. Laurence Primary School) St Laurence Drive, Birkenhead CH41 3JD and runs from 12 midday until 4pm on Sunday 21 August 2022.
Main image: Abi Williams at Christ Church, Oxton. Credit: www.fotopiaimages.com
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