Posted on: Thursday 29 September 2022
More than 30 Ukrainian refugees got the chance to find out about - and experience - some of the different learning opportunities on offer with Torfaen Adult Community Learning.
Ukrainian families and individuals, from across Gwent, attended the Community Day at Croesyceiliog Community Education Centre on Saturday 24 September and tried their hands at woodturning, cake decorating and ceramic workshops.
They also got a taste of home when Ukrainian dumplings known as pierogies were served.
Yulia, 43, a Ukrainian Community Champion from Pontypool, said: “We had a great time. The pierogies were an amazing surprise and the kids enjoyed woodturning, the computer class and pottery.”
Organised by Torfaen Council's ACL team and Torfaen Voluntary Alliance, the aim of the day was to introduce the newly resettled Ukrainian community to the many employment and wider support services Torfaen has to offer.
Torfaen’s Skills and Employability Team were on hand to answer questions about finding jobs in the local area. Using the ‘Say Hi App’ they were able to talk to guests about how they would access the teams support in their own language.
Danya, 34, from Pontypool, was originally an accountant in Ukraine and is now a cleaner here in Torfaen. She passed on her details to the team to receive guidance about picking up her former role here in the UK. She said: ‘I’m excited to see what they can help me with’.
Jen Lewis, ACL Community Engagement Officer, said: “The day was very successful and it was great to see people enjoying themselves while trying something new, such as dancing to cake decorating.
“The aim was to bring the community together and show how we can support them as and when they feel ready to learn new skills or look for work.”
The Welsh Government's Homes for Ukraine scheme connects families, couples and individuals fleeing the war in Ukraine homes with people in Wales who have offered to be sponsors.
Anyone interested in becoming a sponsor can find information about the scheme and what help and support is available for sponsors on our website.
For more information about Torfaen Adult Community Learning classes and other training on offer, visit the Torfaen Council website.