A groundbreaking education initiative at Queen’s University Belfast is opening doors for young people from refugee and asylum-seeker (RAS) backgrounds who have found themselves excluded from formal education systems in Northern Ireland. The SELF programme – which stands for Self-expression, Education, and Learning for the Future – is a volunteer-led, decolonising, bilingual English language initiative tailored specifically for young people aged 16–25.

Since its launch in autumn 2024, SELF has welcomed 76 young learners, offering weekly lessons with an average class size of 25–30. Delivered by a mix of project founders, Queen’s MSc TESOL and Applied Linguistics student volunteers, and experienced bilinguals from the RAS community, SELF fosters an inclusive, multilingual environment where language learning is tied to self-confidence, belonging, and empowerment.

A vital partnership with the ANAKA Women’s Collective underpins the success of the programme. ANAKA has provided not only key support in outreach and interpretation, but also helped transform the classroom into a safe and collaborative space, where newer English speakers can learn alongside more fluent peers. ANAKA interpreters have played a critical role in breaking down barriers, making both language and literacy more accessible.

Funding from Queen’s CiviContribution Fund has enabled the programme to provide trauma-informed training for volunteers, teaching materials, and travel support for participants living in dispersed accommodation. To date, 17 PGT and PGR student volunteers have taken part, developing their teaching skills while also building a strong sense of civic responsibility.

One Queen’s student volunteer commented:

“Participating as a volunteer for SELF has really shown me the need for these students to have a place to find community while they learn a new language and live in a new place. It’s very important for them to have this, and I’m glad that I have been able to be a part of it.”

The programme’s success has already reached beyond the classroom. In May, SELF project leaders joined ANAKA’s 16+ Education campaign consultation, contributing to the Stranded Dreams report on education (in)equality in Northern Ireland. The report was launched at City Hall, with SELF leaders and students standing together in solidarity and shared purpose.

For Mohammed, a student participant, the impact of the programme has been deeply personal:

“Attending the SELF programme at Queen’s University had a hugely positive impact on us. It improved our communication skills, boosted our self-confidence, and introduced us to new ways to set and achieve our goals. The programme wasn’t just educational; it inspired us to work on ourselves in a practical way.”

Looking ahead, SELF is exploring additional funding to develop for-credit Open Learning courses for RAS learners and to launch a co-designed research project capturing the experiences and outcomes of the programme.

Through language, learning, and lived experience, SELF is not only bridging gaps in education but building a model of inclusion that empowers young people to shape their futures and their communities.