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MINISTERIAL FOREWORD
The importance of supporting the acquisition of English language skills for those for whom English is a second or other language is at the core of participation in a democratic society. Without adequate language skills, people can neither fully participate in their local and national communities nor are they given the opportunity to meet their full potential. New Scots - as the First Minister's Fresh Talent Initiative outlines - are key to the future of Scotland. We want to attract and retain bright, hard working and motivated people from outwith Scotland to live, study and work here. We want them to make a positive contribution to the economy and to society. To enable them to do that, we need a coherent, learner-centred approach to ease their integration into Scotland.
Like many European countries, Scotland is undergoing significant demographic change. This brings challenges - but also offers great opportunities. We are determined to improve the English language skills of both New Scots and, where appropriate, members of settled ethnic minority communities. We expect great benefits to come from this - for individuals, for communities and for our nation.
Education and learning are vital if we are to secure a more productive, cohesive and successful Scotland through improved opportunities and quality of life for all. We have a long history of supporting second language acquisition. Immigration, migration and emigration have long been a feature of our history. Many of us are the descendants of immigrants, migrants or émigrés, some of whom were also constrained - amongst other factors - by barriers to them acquiring full language skills. We know that the provision of effective English language tuition is central to the successful integration of New Scots.
This adult ESOL strategy for Scotland will help to address the needs of ESOL learners more effectively - for the Scottish Executive and its agencies, ESOL providers, local government, employers, the wider education community and other local services.
Demographic change and globalisation provide great opportunities for us to create a better Scotland. Our international profile is growing. Let's work together to increase this, to encourage greater numbers of talented people to come to Scotland and contribute to social, cultural and economic growth, and to realise our vision of a Scotland where everyone has the chance to become the best they can be.
NICOL STEPHEN
Deputy First Minister
and Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning | RHONA BRANKIN
Minister for Communities |
March 2007
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