They are between five and ten people, who meet once a week in the Studieförbundet Vuksenskolan’s premises in the middle of Älmhult. Difficult words and important care terms are covered here. At the table is assistant nurse Elin Eliasson, who, despite being on maternity leave, started the language circle to fill a need that she believes the municipality has failed to meet.
– The language skills have been a little substandard, and I don’t blame the substitutes for that. It is the employer who hired them and must help them, says Elin Eliasson.
Appreciated initiative
One of the students is Naba Yasmeen, who attends as many meetings as she can. For the past year, she has been studying to become an assistant nurse, while at the same time she jumps in when needed at one of the municipality’s nursing homes.
– She explains clearly and we get to ask questions so we understand better. This is great, says Naba Yasmeen.
Criticism of the municipality
In the municipality of Älmhult, a large proportion of the staff in elderly care do not have Swedish as their mother tongue, and the municipality received criticism from the IVO Inspectorate for care and care for the staff’s lack of language skills, at the latest last year.
Since then, they have introduced a language tool in the mobile phone and trained special language representatives at the residences, but a course like Elin’s is not on the agenda.
– I think it is a great initiative and we are very positive about it, says Sven Bondesson, head of unit at the social administration in Älmhult.
Don’t you feel that you in the municipality could also have done more on that front?
– You can always think that, but you have to start somewhere. We are very proud of the work we have started and done and the important thing now is to hold on and persevere, says Sven Bondesson.
Back in the classroom at the Adult School, Elin Eliasson does not agree that the municipality has done enough.
– It is good that they do something, but it is important to see each other and talk and use the words. An app is to make it easy for yourself. It takes more than that, she says.