Supporting Refugees in Digital learning at Community level with Park View Project:

Start with Access and Basics

Devices and connectivity

Provide shared laptops, tablets, or desktops in safe community spaces (libraries community centres, faith spaces).

offer free wi-fi) or offline learning options (USBs, downloaded content).

partner with businesses or councils for donated refurbished devices.

Digital Essentials

Many refugees may not have used

Email accounts

Keyboards

Online Forms

Cloud storage

Run "digital basics" sessions before academic learning

Turing devices on/off

Using a browser

logging in safely

basic troubleshooting

Make learning Safe, Local and trust-based

Safe Learning Spaces

Use Familiar, welcoming venues (not only formal schools).

Provide childcare where possible so adults can attend.

Offer women-only sessions if culturally appropriate

Build Trust First

Work with community leaders or refugee champions

Work with community leaders or refugee chamions

work with community leaders or refugee champions

Clearly explain

Data privacy

that participation won't affect immigration status

Be considered (same facilitators, same time each week)

Trust is often more important than technology

Language-Friendly and culturally responsive design

Language Support

Use

Visual instructions

simple language

Bilingual volunteers

Encourage use of

google translate

speech-to-text tools

subtitled videos

Culturally Responsive Teaching

Avoid assumptions about

schooling background

Gender roles

Learning styles

Use examples relevant to daily life

NHS services

Transport

Job search platforms

Focus on Practical, life enhancing skills,

High-impact Learning skills

Prioritise

Digital literacy (email, online forms, safety)

Language learning apps (English native language support)

Employment skills

CV writing

Online job applications

Basic Microsoft word/ google Docs

Accessing services

GP registration

school communication

Benefits portals

Use peer Learning and Community Mentors

Refugee-to-refugee Learning

Train refugees who progress faster to become peer mentors This

Builds confidence

Reduces language barriers

Creates role models

Youth and intergenerational Support

Pair young people with older adults

Encourage family learning (parents children together)

peer-led learning is often more sustainable than expert-led programs.

Flexible Delivery models

Blended Learning

In-person support

WhatsApp groups

Short Online tutorials

Avoid long sessions (1-1.5 hours max)

Self-paced options

Curate simple learning pathways

First steps online

English for work

Digital skills for parents"

Avoid overwhelming learners with too many platforms

Address Trauma and wellbeing

Refugees many carry trauma that affects learning

Trauma-informed Practice

Be patient with

Absence

Memory difficulties

Anxiety around assessments

Avoid around testing

Celebrate progress not perfection

Where possible, link learners with Mental health or wellbeing support services.

Measure success Meaningfully

Instead of formal exams track

increased confidence

independent device use

successful online from submissions

Attendance and return rates

Collect feedback verbally (smiley scales short conversation).

Build Partnerships

Strong community digital learning programs often involve

Libraries

Local councils

Universities or colleges

Tech companies

Refugee-led organisations

Partnership help with funding, expertise and sustainability.

Digitally supporting refugees