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MAYOR
OF NEWHAM URGES MIGRANT COMMUNITIES TO LEARN ENGLISH
By Njualem Columbus
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The mayor of Newham Sir Robin Wales says English language is indispensable for effective integration into the British society. Speaking recently during a “question time event” at the Stratford Old Town Hall, he advised residents mostly from the ethnic minority communities to improve their English language skills in order to enhance their chances of benefiting from opportunities provided by the borough and the UK public at large.
More than 250 residents were present to express their concerns to the Mayor and raised issues affecting their lives namely: anti social behaviour, crime, homelessness, social exclusion, and disability.
The mayor exhorted residents from migrant communities to learn English if they feel this hampered their ability to fully integrate into the society as pointed by some residents. He noted that access to jobs in the UK could only be possible for those who can read or write in English. The Mayor however noted that although many public services in the borough have language assistances, and publish documents in some ethnic and international languages, greater emphasis should be paid on learning the English language and culture to foster greater integration. |
Newham being the most ethnically diverse borough in the UK, the Mayor reiterated that his council would continue to promote equality and diversity to reflect the strength and mix of its people. Sir Robin indicated that the council has and will continue to fund community centres to offer English courses and sponsor community initiative projects that will results in bridging the social gap amongst residents. He disclosed that the council will soon publish information on how to get grants for community projects and challenged residents and community groups in Newham to use this opportunity to initiate projects that will improve economic and social status of the borough as well as their living standards.
The mayor also used this occasion to highlights some of his achievements as well as future plans for the borough if re-elected. Newham can now boost of having one of the best secondary schools attendances in the country and unlike the previous years it has halved the GCSEs gap with the national average. Housing and rents system has improved and the most of the residents in the borough are impressed about the clean streets he said.
The mayor numerated several successes of his administration in the domain of environment, health and well being and promised to invest massively on sports infrastructure. Newham being the hoist borough of the 2012 Olympic Games the mayor noted that better opportunities will be available to Newham residents and promised to use this wonderful privilege to rebuild
Newham.
Considering that anti social behaviour attracted lots of concerns from the residents, the Mayor assured Newham residents that he would continue to embark on a serious crackdown on anti social behaviour. He said some achievements have been recorded in this domain but more need to be done. He advised residents to reports incidents of anti social behaviour to the police and anti social behaviour hotline establish by the council. He condemned racism, terrorism and any deviant actions perpetrated by people which could jeopardise the unity of Newham, stating that he will continue to work tirelessly to make Newham an attracting and buoyant place to live and work. This he said can only be achieved by uniting the different ethnic groups and tolerating their cultures or religious values.
The Mayor listened to wide range of issues affecting residents and promised to resolve them appropriately. Caseworkers were also present and took details of some of the concerns raised by residents.
He thanked residents for their attendance adding that it is important that their voices are heard and their suggestions taken into considerations.
Editor’s Note:
Your Paper the African Echo will be having a chat with the Mayor of Newham on March 23, 2006.If you have any questions or comments kindly email them to the editor at
info@africanecho.co.uk.
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