Question reference: S6W-22118
- Date lodged: 9 October 2023
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Current status: Answered by Graeme Dey on 6 November 2023
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what funding it currently provides for English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) classes for asylum seekers and refugees.
Answer
In 2021-22 the Scottish Government provided £22,709,353 to colleges for ESOL courses in Scotland and we are committed to ensuring that everyone in Scotland whose first language is not English can contribute to Scotland’s future and the society they live in. Having support to learn English is key for many refugees and asylum seekers to communicate, enter education, find employment, and access information on healthcare, housing and other services that they require.
In addition, through the Supporting New Scots Fund, the New Scots partnership awarded a total of £179,431.00 to nine organisations across Scotland to deliver ESOL provision for refugees.
Figures for 2022-23 will be available in January 2024.