A language school in Winchester has launched a support program for Ukraine to help host families.
English Naturally, which is based in The Square, has delivered thousands of language lessons since its inception some 23 years ago.
It also helps place overseas students with host families in Winchester, Petersfield and Salisbury.
Since the government announced the first phase of its sponsorship program late last month, company director Chris Polatch says several of these families have said they plan to take in refugees from Ukraine. .
However, wanting to provide a means for those who may not yet be able to provide support to the thousands of people fleeing the war-torn country daily, he has since launched a new initiative which instead aims to raise funds for the Committee. disaster emergency. (DEC) Appeal from Ukraine.
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Explaining the programme, Mr Polatch said: ‘We are recovering slightly from the pandemic this year, with some bookings from abroad. Nothing like the “good old days”, but things are looking up!
“We have stayed in contact with our host families throughout the pandemic. Recently, when we approached them to welcome back, some said they were welcoming Ukrainian refugees, while others said they would like to but for various reasons it is not possible on the logistics plan.
“In some cases, this is due to the length of stay, which is a minimum of six months. Our new program is that when new hosts register with us, we will donate £10 to the DEC fund for Ukraine. This way, they will know that they are helping Ukraine even if they themselves cannot take in refugees.
“As an international company, fully aware of world events at all times, we strongly support hosts taking Ukrainians fleeing war and we will be offering discounted English lessons through our sister company, the Language Academy.”
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