Supporting asylum seekers and refugees using Learn My Way

This guide will help you to:

• Support refugees and asylum seekers.
• Embed Learn My Way into your service.
• Use Learn My Way to save you time.

Challenges refugees and asylum seekers face with digital

Limited or no digital skills. Provide initial one to one or small group sessions.

Limited internet access and devices. Register your organisation as a Databank and Device Bank and provide Wi-Fi and devices for them to use at your hub.

Opportunities to engage refugees and asylum seekers

Embed digital skills into ESOL lessons. This provides an opportunity to practise in a safe environment for example, emailing the teacher, using Google Classroom, using online search engines for research and language games.

Support them one to one with their individual circumstances. Use the opportunity to show them how the internet can support them for example, to keep in touch with friends, entertainment, job searching, applying for benefits.

Making the most of Learn My Way

• Pre-teach the language.
• Embed topics from Learn My Way into ESOL lessons and discussions.
• Use repetition.
• Use group work to provide a network of support.

Useful subjects on Learn My Way

Using your device. Some people haven’t used a laptop or computer before, some people are unfamiliar with touchscreen devices.

Using email. In the UK an email address is important for registering for many government services, online shopping and applying for jobs and employment. This subject explains how to send and receive emails, safety and security aspects.

Staying in touch. Asylum seekers and refugees have often left family and friends in other parts of the world. Showing them how to use the internet saves money on phone bills and allows them to see loved ones through video calls. It also introduces them to social media where they can find local support groups.

Safety and security online. Spam emails and fraudulent websites are even harder to recognise with English as a second language. Some people also have the perception that anything in the UK is “safe” and can be trusted.

Employment and work. A good introduction to finding work in the UK, what is expected, employability skills and how to apply for a job.

Managing your health online. This is a good introduction to the NHS and can help to improve the mental and physical wellbeing of asylum seekers and refugees.

Spending money online. Online shopping can help people to save money and shows them how to do this safely.

Online entertainment. This supports asylum seekers and refugees to improve their mental wellbeing, language skills and cultural knowledge.

Working with office programs. This is useful for people wanting to go to university, college and gain employment in the UK.

Managing your money online. A good introduction to online banking, applying for universal credit and budgeting, which are all topics people need once they get their status.

Starting to use the internet. A great guide for those new to the internet, how to use public services online, safety and making friends online.

Other resources 

Google Classroom is a hub for tools and resources to help educators manage classrooms and enrich learning experiences.

BBC Learning English provides help with language, employment and life in the UK.

Refugee Action offers practical advice and resources on ways to improve clients' access to the internet.

Digital Empowerment of Refugee Women provides British Red Cross resources in different languages.

Digital Skills resources for refugees guides to Microsoft