'English for Action' - Sharing insights about my research

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It was very special to be invited by John and Sharon, teachers at English for Action (EFA), to speak to a group of ESOL students. EFA is a charity based in London that teaches English to immigrants using the Paulo Freire method, which focuses on dialogue, critical thinking, and empowerment. ESOL stands for English for Speakers of Other Languages and refers to educational programmes designed to support non-native English speakers, particularly immigrants and refugees, in improving their language skills for personal, professional, and social purposes.

The EFA students had prepared thoughtful questions about my book and my own journey back to university in my 40s as a mother of two children and an immigrant (or expat, if that sounds nicer) from the Global South.

Many of the women in the group—most of whom are immigrants from the Global South—work as cleaners in London, despite holding university degrees in their home countries. It was a meaningful transnational conversation about education, labour markets, and shared experiences, filled with warmth and friendly people.