Values Easily Translated

7 February 2020

Melissa Winnell

It is not uncommon if you drop into Streetlevel Waterloo on a Tuesday morning to hear the hum of conversation, laughter and even sometimes singing coming from upstairs.

About three years ago our team identified language barriers as contributing to social isolation for many in the wider community, so thought we would trial the running of conversational English classes in an attempt to meet that need in a seemingly small way. The response was overwhelmingly positive, and a dedicated team of volunteers have since come alongside our participants, learning how to provide creative, practical classes while showing great care (hence the noise from the laughter singing and occasional dancing!). There is also sometimes awkward silence when no one understands anyone else in the room – that usually ends in laughter too.

Something I love is that each week we go around the room and everyone has a chance to share about their previous week. We do this to make sure everyone is heard and can get to know each other better. In the beginning it took no time at all, as people weren’t yet confident to practice their English so publicly. Now we have to set a time limit, otherwise we would spend the whole two hours sharing and doing nothing else.

The confidence being built is one thing, because of what that has allowed people to do and achieve; volunteering, study, connection into other programs and services, ability to leave their homes for the first time in years to name a few.

On top of this, students have built friendships, spend time outside class with one another, and care for each other. Just one example is when a student baked a cake and visited another for Mother’s Day, knowing her family was away and she would be on her own.

These stories, I believe, reflect the freedom and flourishing that happens for people in a community like Streetlevel - addressing big issues by doing the seemingly small things well - like valuing safety, consistency, love, and being a welcoming space for people to try new things, meet new people, and have a lot of fun doing it.