Improving English conversation skills

Waiuku and Districts Combined Churches (WDCC) has two congregations. St Andrew’s Centre is based in the heart of Waiuku, a small semi-rural town on the south-western edge of Auckland. And Āwhitu Central meets in an historic church building on the nearby, picturesque Āwhitu Peninsula. WDCC has run the English Conversation Group, under the auspices of its St Andrew’s Community Trust, multiple times each year since 2017.

Participants have come from a surprising variety of nations over that time. These have included Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, the Philippines, Romania, South Africa, Thailand, Tonga and Uzbekistan. Some have been agricultural workers in what is primarily a dairy and horticultural area. But there are many reasons why migrants turn up in the Waiuku community. And often they and their families have little social interaction beyond workplace connections, due to language barriers.

“Adapting to a new culture, language, social norms and customs can be challenging, leading to feelings of isolation and loneliness,” says the group coordinator, Anisha Santhoshkumar. Anisha, who is WDCC’s minister’s assistant, understands this well as she migrated to New Zealand in 2011.

The number of participants in the English Conversation Group varies every term. After the height of the Covid pandemic, there were only around five or six regular participants. But at the end of 2023, there was an influx of Brazilians—mostly working for a local factory—which took the average to around 10 people per session.

“Whether we have two or 10, the same welcoming atmosphere is provided,” says Anisha. “Chatting, laughter and support weaves through each session.”

While WDCC does some advertising through local community venues and social media, most often referrals come via the congregation or other church programmes, or by word of mouth in the community.

The programme is focused on informal, practical English conversation skills. Sessions are tailored to the needs of the group, and can include social activities such as visiting gardens or beaches, or attending local events together.

“Members gain self-confidence and independence, make new friends, and gain a better understanding of New Zealand culture. Actually, we learn a lot from each other—whether we were born here or not,” says Anisha.