English Language Partners (ELP) in Whakatāne is welcoming learners back to the classroom following a successful first year in 2024. The class is currently the only programme offering in-person ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) group lessons in Whakatāne.
Held in a bright and spacious meeting room at Te Kōputu a te Whanga a Toi, the Whakatāne Library and Exhibition Centre, the class initially started as a women-only class. Heather Vail, manager of the ELP Rotorua office which also covers the Eastern Bay of Plenty, says the women-only nature of the class happened organically: “The class initially attracted migrant women whose husbands were employed locally. It brought the women together and has been successful in providing them with language, confidence and community. Now with men joining, it’s extending the women’s ability to communicate with others and have greater confidence.”
Soki Yamamoto, an acupuncturist from Japan, is the newest learner to join the group. He says the incentive to join the classes came from his wish to connect more closely to his patients.
Soki came to New Zealand on a working holiday visa five years ago and was here when the country closed its borders during the COVID-19 pandemic. After the borders reopened, he decided to stay on.
Having learnt English since his childhood in Japan, Soki arrived in New Zealand confident about speaking the language. However, after he arrived, he quickly discovered that Kiwi English has its own unique expressions including the use of te reo Māori. He enrolled in the ELP class to become more familiar with local stories and culture. Local guest speakers are often invited to come and share their stories about Māori culture and local history with the class.
Soki says many of his regular clients at his acupuncture clinic are Māori: “They know I don’t know a lot about Māori culture or language so they avoid talking about certain topics when they come to see me. But once they know I understand better, I hope they’ll speak more freely.”
In his work, Soki says he focuses on his patients’ physical symptoms but he needs to be able to communicate with his patients.
“I’d like to be able to have a longer chat with them so I’m able to connect more with them rather than just treating them in a mechanical way. That’s why I feel it’s important to learn about their background and culture.”
In addition to helping him expand his language and cultural knowledge, Soki says the ELP class also helps him broaden his perspective because of the diversity in the group of learners. Last year, learners came from several different countries including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Japan, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
Soki says it’s interesting to listen to the insights of his fellow learners: “Both in class and outside of class, a lot of different questions come up that I wouldn’t think to ask. I find these very interesting.”
He says the classes are about more than just learning the language and the group often meets up outside of class to get a coffee or for various other activities.
“If new learners want to connect with learners from other countries and cultures, this class is a great way to do that,” he says.
His classmate Nimsha Subair, agrees. “The classes are much more than just learning the language. They’re about community and having people you can lean on,” she says.
Nimsha and her husband, who are from Sri Lanka, arrived in Whakatāne two years ago. Her husband was fluent in English but her own English was very basic. She learned about the ELP class on a community Facebook page. Initially, she says she was shy about joining but she bravely went ahead and signed up. She says the classes have been essential to helping her settle in New Zealand and actively engage with the Whakatāne community. “We don’t just learn English but we learn about Māori culture too and how to adjust to life here,” she says.
The classes have given Nimsha confidence and enabled her to go about her day-to-day life independently. Initially, she relied on her husband for everything from shopping and banking, to visiting the doctor.
“When I first arrived, I was very shy about speaking,” she says. “When I tried speaking to my landlord, he couldn’t understand me at all. I had to wait for my husband to come home to explain things for me. Now the landlord understands me well and I can see he appreciates the efforts I’ve made.”
The most valuable aspect of the classes for Nimsha has been the connection with other learners. She says after she arrived, she didn’t know anyone for more than a year but since joining the class she’s made lots of friends.
“It’s the first time I’ve met people from allover the world and learned about different foods and cultures. I feel I’m not alone anymore. It’s a good feeling. I feel I’m part of a community.”
“It gives me a good feeling about myself,” says Nimsha. “I feel this is my home now.”
Story by Tione Chinula
English classes in Whakatāne are organised by our Rotorua Centre.
We also offer classes for Bay of Plenty residents online and in our centre in Tauranga.
