EMTAS Projects

Since 2000 the service has been running externally funded projects. Our current projects in 2011 include:

Family Programmes

• Family Language for Literacy and Numeracy (FLLN) and ICT
• Keeping up with the Children (KUWTC)

EMTAS works closely with Hampshire Learning to provide courses for ethnic minority families in several Hampshire schools, Children’s Centres and other community locations enabling the families to guide their children through the English education system and specifically to support them with their homework.

These courses consist of various family programmes, including Family Language for Literacy, Numeracy (FLLN) and ICT, where parents spend some of the time working alongside their children under the guidance of a tutor, as well as Keeping Up With The Children, a similar programme for adults only.

Learners build portfolios of their work which are assessed by tutors and monitored and accredited by Hampshire Learning. At entry level, almost all learners are awarded either a full certificate or a partial certificate for at least one component (speaking, listening, reading or writing). More advanced learners may sit a written examination which is accredited by the national award body, the NCFE.

The aims of this work are to:

• inform and empower parents and grandparents, so that they can play their part in ensuring that their children are happy and successful at school, stay safe and healthy and are prepared to take an active role in society.
• provide information about the UK educational system and the law as it relates to families.
• to help parents and grandparents gain confidence to enrol on college courses to improve their English and increase their chances of finding suitable employment.
• signpost them on to local services, agencies and other organisations which can help with their families’ needs and enable them to ‘achieve economic well-being’.   
• help parents to learn basic IT skills.
• raise the awareness of schools and agencies regarding the barriers facing ethnic minority families, including issues of language, culture, job prospects, racism etc.