Updated NIACE Citizenship Materials

The new publication Citizenship Materials for ESOL Learners was launched in London on Monday 21 June 2010, at the first of a series of NIACE regional workshops - Active Citizenship: Active Communities.

The pack was originally developed by NIACE and LLU+ in 2006 - in consultation with learners and practitioners - and in 2009 the Home Office commissioned NIACE to update the pack.

Use of Citizenship Materials for ESOL Learners has been a requirement for some years now, if ESOL learners wish to apply for UK citizenship or settlement. In its Citizenship ESOL Materials - Remarks from the UK Border Agency, the Home Office has said:

"The UK Border Agency is extremely grateful to NIACE and its partners for this comprehensive refresh of its well-respected, and well-used, citizenship resource."

"Since they were introduced in 2006 the materials have proven to be an invaluable resource in supporting the integration of new migrants to the UK and the changes now being introduced will, we are sure, take them to an even higher level of effectiveness."

The pack's updated materials and new chapters include:

• updated sections on What is citizenship, Parliament and the UK as a Diverse Society; and
• new sections on Getting involved in your Community and Faiths and Beliefs.