City of Poems: A Journey Through Emotions Launch

The 4th of June, marked a day of celebration and creativity as the City of Poems: A Journey Through Emotions exhibition took place.  Showcasing the remarkable talents of our ESOL, (English for Speakers of Other Languages) Upper Intermediate for Work and Study students, this heartwarming event was a perfect platform for poetic expression but also a testament to the collaborative spirit within our college community. The Scottish Government funds courses in English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL). This initiative is crucial in supporting the New Scots refugee integration strategy, which aims to build connections and mutual understanding between refugees and the local community.

The ESOL Poetry Project, initially inspired by the works of esteemed Scottish poet Donna Ashworth, has blossomed into a powerful medium for our students to express their innermost feelings. Donna Ashworth herself graciously joined the students for a workshop, providing invaluable guidance and encouragement. The resulting poems touch on universal themes such as love, loss, family, identity, and emotion, giving voice to experiences that are often unheard in the wider College community.

When ESOL lecturer Rosie Quin first shared the students' poetry with the team, it became clear that these voices needed a larger audience. Rosie expressed:

“Working on this project has to be one of the highlights of my teaching career. All credit to the ESOL students for their inspiring words and to the Design students for interpreting their words in such creative and incredible illustrations. Looking forward to next year already!”

Thus, the City of Poetry book was born, featuring beautiful illustrations created by NQ and NPA Graphic Design and Illustration students. Under the expert guidance of Visual Communication lecturer Ashley Rawson, these talented artists brought the poems to life through their evocative designs. This experience of working on a 'live brief' provided them with invaluable preparation for their future careers.

The exhibition was a vibrant celebration, complete with lunch, sweet treats, and an assortment of teas and coffees. Attendees were moved by the depth and sincerity of the students' work, which highlighted the powerful intersection of language learning with cultural and personal identity. The Associate Dean - ESOL and Communities James Davies stated:

"The launch of our poetry book and exhibition was a joyful and emotional event. We are so proud to amplify our students' stories, and hearing them read their poetry was touching, and deeply humbling. Thanks must go to all the students and colleagues involved - it has been a real collaborative effort."

The success of this cross-College collaboration has inspired staff to consider making it an annual event. ESOL education at the College is about much more than just language acquisition; it encompasses culture, identity, and self-expression. These students continually inspire us with their courage and dedication as they navigate their new lives in Scotland.

We are immensely proud of our students and their extraordinary contributions. This event was a poignant reminder of the power of poetry and art to bring communities together and to amplify voices that deserve to be heard.

Check our the City of Poem: The Journey Through Emotions

If you enjoy the poetry, you can donate to Refuweegee. The poetry exhibition is available for viewing at the ESOL Welcome Area, on the 5th floor, City Campus.