Three Congolese former refugees are thrilled their English is improving after only a short time with English Language Partners in Invercargill.

Amani Mbonigaba and his wife Rose Furaha began attending three, four-hour classes a week in June, while Bushir Useni started in October.

Years ago and separately, they fled a civil-political war in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), to then survive harsh lives as refugees in South Africa.

The couple arrived in New Zealand with their five children in March 2024 and Bushir, his wife Nana Emongo and four of their five children arrived in November 2023.

The three are among about 30 Congolese learners who attend our English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) intensive class in Invercargill.

Bushir says that before, the trio had spoken without knowing or respecting English verbs or grammar - “Now we are trying our best.”

They're full of praise for their tutor Sara Bolger.

“She's the best...she makes us understand very well with the grammar, pronunciation, writing, listening, verbs,” says Bushir.

Rose says when they came to live in Southland, she could read but not write English, however now she can both read and write it.

“All thanks to Sara because she try her best and she's very patient,” she says.

Bushir wants to learn to write correctly and to read, while Rose is eager to spell better.

Amani says he knew how to read and write a little, however both have improved thanks to English Language Partners.

He says they want to know English better so they can understand the fast pace of New Zealanders' speech, without needing to ask locals to repeat their words.

“People from here are talking faster – we need to learn how we can communicate.”

Bushir fled the DRC more than 20 years ago, Amani left in 2007 and Rose in 2012. The DRC is French-speaking, however all three acquired some English during their years struggling to survive in South Africa.

Bushir says there are differences between South African and Kiwi English - “How we're pronouncing in South Africa is not the same way here”.

Rose notes vocabulary also varies, such as a South African traffic light being referred to as “by the robot”.

Bushir says they've noticed a huge contrast between life in Southland and South Africa.

He says that in South Africa they didn't feel free. As foreigners, they weren't considered to be part of society and had no rights.

“It's like you're not a human being.”

Fellow black South Africans also treated them this way, he says. The refugees experienced xenophobia, with people sometimes following and verbally abusing them.

“They are attacking you, like you are a foreigner – 'You must go back home'.

South Africa has become a temporary yet long-term home to many sub-Saharan Africans fleeing war, political violence and poverty.

According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the country presently hosts 250,250 refugees and asylum-seekers and is trying to strengthen its asylum system.

Bushir says they didn't live in refugee camps there, no one took care of them and they survived by doing whatever work they could find.

Amani and Rose were registered as refugees with the United Nations for 13 years and Bushir registered in 2013.

Once New Zealand accepted them for resettlement, it took about a year to migrate and Rose says they're thankful to Immigration New Zealand.

Bushir says with warmth, “We feel at home here”.

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“We're very lucky to be here in a peaceful country.”

Invercargill has been a refugee resettlement location since 2018 and between 150 and 160 Congolese live there, including children.

English Language Partners Southland Coordinator Inge Wilhelm says 65 per cent of our Invercargill learners are Congolese.

These 60 learners participate in ESOL intensive or ESOL literacy classes and sometimes also English language groups.

Inge says the Congolese have had a positive effect on the southern city's schools, workplaces and churches.

“The impact is just really far reaching.”

Meanwhile, Congolese community members are keen to contribute further through their considerable work experience and language skills.

“We want to contribute to the economy of New Zealand,” Bushir says.

He speaks five languages and was a porter in five-star hotels in South Africa, Amani is an electrician and welder and Rose has been a paid housekeeper.

Amani says the community must improve its English, achieve the appropriate certificates and start paid work.

“English is a key for everything – without English, you can't do anything.”

Rose beautifully sums up their sentiments.

“Learning English is a good idea because it can make you to communicate and have a better life in the future for you and your family.”

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Story by Sharon Fowler