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As we commence a new year of learning, join us in celebrating our fruitful partnership with Thomastown Neighbourhood House (TNH). In this insightful interview with Liz Skitch, TNH’s Manager, discover how their diverse weekly activities and Prace’s English Conversation classes are not just building language skills but also fostering a vibrant sense of community in Thomastown.
TNH weekly activities are designed to provide all members of the local community with the opportunity to connect. TNH’s free, weekly activities include ‘All Seasons’ Nature Craft program for people living with disabilities, ‘Mindful Meditation’, ‘Chair Yoga’, ‘Stitch and Fix’, ‘Promisetown Playgroup’, ‘Little Diggers’ Family Fun Club and ‘Women’s Painting Circle’.
“More than ninety per cent of our community come from CALD backgrounds. For example, within our playgroup community alone there are seventeen languages spoken,” said Liz.
“Thanks to the partnership with Prace, TNH has been able to provide a teacher-led English conversation class. Having a highly skilled teacher able to tailor the class to our diverse student cohort is amazing,” she said.
While Thomastown Neighbourhood House has partnered for many years with Prace on a variety of successful programs, Liz said the conversation class was like the hub of a wheel, connecting the community to the various activities via the “spokes” of communication.
“Our neighbourhood house is unusual in that it isn’t made of bricks and mortar. We are located in the Thomastown Library building, surrounded by books and a beautiful courtyard and woodlands play area,” said Liz.
TNH also runs a Social Enterprise Coffee Cart, which provides opportunities for young adults living with disabilities.
“Every morning the Library Lounge where the Coffee Cart is located, buzzes like a village square, said Liz. “The English Class participants not only connect in the class but also have the opportunity for casual conversation as they move around the Library space. This really takes the learning and sense of belonging to the next level.”
“Many of our wellness activities and community events encourage the community to connect through creativity. Whether you are dancing, singing or crafting, the act of sharing this activity with others has the power to overcome language barriers. These creative connections are greatly strengthening the social fabric here in Thomastown,” said Liz.
Enrolments are currently being taken for English Conversation at Thomastown Neighbourhood House – Semester 1, 2024. Classes will commence on 6th February. Book through Prace on 9462 6077 or visit us at Merrilands Community Centre. You can also email Thomastown Neighbourhood House manager@tnh.org.au.
For further information on TNH weekly wellness activities or community events, please visit www.tnh.org.au
Find out more about Prace’s Everyday English classes here.
