Celebration as Learning4Life-Gy receives prestigious ‘School of Sanctuary’ award

These are the words of Eben-Eser Murena, who is an adult ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) learner at Learning4Life-Gy. He shared his story since moving here from Namibia for his own safety.

“Learning4Life helped me get a bicycle and a TV. Now, I volunteer at the foodbank, have made new friends, and try to forget what happened to me in Namibia,” he said.

Praising those at Learning4Life-Gy, of his teacher, Paul Vivian, Eben-Eser added: “When I first arrived in Grimsby and started learning the language here, I told Paul about my issues. He made an effort to understand me and support me, and it was the first time I began to think of him as a brother or father.”

The team at Learning4Life-Gy Independent School, along Freeman Street, is celebrating after being given School of Sanctuary status - a national award that recognises schools committed to being a safe and welcoming place, especially for those seeking sanctuary.

This achievement marks the culmination of five years of dedicated work by staff, students, and the wider community, to create an inclusive environment for children with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs and for adult ESOL learners.

Principal Claire Bramley, said: “It’s more than a title - it’s a reflection of our ongoing commitment to inclusion, kindness, and providing a place where everyone, regardless of their background, can thrive.”

A series of celebration events started recently when community leaders and representatives from partners, including North East Lincolnshire Council, were invited to an eight-course taster meal. Prepared and served by learners, it featured dishes representing the diverse cultures within the school. The menu began with a nod to Grimsby’s heritage with fish, followed by cuisine from Afghanistan, Angola, Brazil, Portugal, Ukraine, Iraq, Pakistan, and Syria.

Deputy Mayor of North East Lincolnshire Janet Goodwin praised Learning4Life-Gy, saying: “It is a testament to the power of collaboration, learning, and opportunity in North East Lincolnshire. This evening is a celebration of your journey, the lives you have touched and how you collectively made this transformation possible.”

Sara Morris, CEO of Learning4Life-Gy, added: "We’ve always believed in the power of education to change lives, and being recognised as a School of Sanctuary reaffirms that belief. This award honours the courage of our learners, the dedication of our staff, and the strength of our community. It reminds us all, that Freeman Street is a place of hope and opportunity."

About Learning4Life-Gy

Learning4Life-Gy is an independent school located on Freeman Street, in Grimsby, North East Lincolnshire. It provides bespoke education for students aged 14-19 with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs and Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), as well as offering full-time education for students whose first language is not English. Learning4Life also offer Adult ESOL Programmes are for learners who are developing their English language skills to support entry into employment and integration into the English culture.

Find out more about Learning4Life-Gy at https://learning4life-gy.co.uk/.