Educational psychotherapist Marie Delaney shares inspiring stories of resilience from her work with refugees. They discuss how language learning can rebuild lives and unite communities. Zhanna Sevastianova talks about trauma-sensitive teaching in Ukraine. The podcast explores the transformative power of language in difficult times.
Language learning supports well-being and community cohesion for refugees.
Trauma-sensitive teaching in conflict-affected areas fosters safety and empathy in classrooms.
Deep dives
The Power of Language in Building Communities
Language plays a critical role in shaping communities and societies, connecting individuals, and shaping our understanding of the world. It serves as a tool for communication and storytelling. For the 108 million forcibly displaced individuals worldwide, language can pose challenges in integration but also offer opportunities for rebuilding their lives. Harnessing the power of languages is crucial for supporting well-being, fostering community cohesion, and providing avenues for conflict-affected individuals.
Language Learning for Resilience in Conflict-Affected Communities
Language learning emerges as a vital tool in building resilience among communities impacted by conflict and forced displacement. Through personalized training packages and trauma-sensitive teaching approaches, language educators support teachers and students in post-conflict areas like Ukraine, fostering a sense of safety, empathy, and shared experience. Training sessions focus on creating safer spaces in classrooms and adapting education to the unique needs of learners facing traumatic circumstances.
The Transformative Role of Language in Integration and Well-Being
Language learning facilitates integration, communication, and connection in conflict-affected regions like Ukraine. Speaking English not only enhances opportunities for wider communication and collaboration but also empowers individuals to share their stories and engage with global networks. English proficiency is seen as a pathway to social cohesion, personal expression, and economic empowerment, linking communities across borders and promoting intercultural understanding.
Fostering Resilience Through Relational Language Teaching
Effective language teaching, emphasizing relational approaches, helps individuals affected by trauma and displacement navigate their learning environment with sensitivity and understanding. By recognizing triggers, supporting emotional well-being, and providing tools for expression, language educators create safe spaces for students to learn and communicate. Educators' support and cultural sensitivity play a crucial role in empowering adults and children to navigate educational challenges and enrich their linguistic skills.
Discover how language learning can enhance well-being, unite communities, and support people displaced by conflict.
Marie Delaney, educational psychotherapist and teacher, joins host Christine Wilson to share inspiring stories of resilience from her work with refugees and displaced peoples worldwide. Together, they explore how language learning can serve as a catalyst for rebuilding lives.
We also visit Warsaw, Poland, where Zhanna Sevastianova tells us about her work in making the teaching and learning of English more trauma-sensitive, inclusive, and safe for students and teachers in Ukraine.
Join us for compelling stories and an insightful conversation about the transformative power of language.
Ahead of our last episode of this series with our Chief Executive Scott McDonald, we’d like to hear from you.
What burning questions do you have about the topics raised in this series that you’d like us to discuss in that episode?
If you’re listening to us on Spotify, you can comment your question. And if you’re listening on a different platform then send us your question by emailing researchglobal@britishcouncil.org by Sunday 18 August. We’ll choose a few to discuss in that final episode