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Language Line Road Show First Round in Christchurch
In August the Office of Ethnic Affairs recently held a series of Language Line training and promotion workshops for communities in Christchurch. Nine workshops had been developed and completed by Language Line Trainer and Ethnic Affairs Advisors over three and a half days. These workshops are similar to the successful exercise which was held in Auckland in June. They aim to promote the use of Language Line services and access to government services. They assist those who speak little or no English. The news about Language Line training workshops was publicised and advertised through Ethnic media. This promotion is designed to attract a wide audience as possible. Approximately 200 participants from a broad range of ethnic communities, NGOs, health providers, ethnic women groups and people form migrant and refugee background were present at the workshops.
This cross-team collaboration project was facilitated by people from the OEA Language Line and advisory teams, and featured a presentation by Language Line trainer and ethnic affairs advisors who outlined what Language Line is and who uses it. There is a practical emphasis on how to use the service. Participants asked questions related to available languages provided by Language Line, participating agencies, the role of the Language Line management team. They were particularly interested in finding out about how to approach and communicate with some key government agencies. Agencies such as Department of Internal Affairs, Ministry of Social Development, health sector agencies, or Immigration Office use Language Line services. It was noted there was particular interest among women and the elderly from the ethnic communities.
Most participants were satisfied with the outcomes of the workshops and requested follow-up actions for the future. The Office also received calls from those who were not able to attend or missed out the workshops in the schedule. There were requests for hand-outs and relevant materials for home study as well.
Following up on the success in Auckland and Christchurch, the Language Line Road show is now expecting to develop further in other cities throughout New Zealand. It is hoped to do this in this financial year. The proposed series aims to continue promoting the services Language Line provides and help more people who have language difficulty to access government services equally and confidently by breaking the language barrier.
If you wish to receive more information about Language Line, please visit www.languageline.govt.nz or email to language.line@dia.govt.nz