In a new initiative aimed at fostering community connections, Professor Jane Bryan of Warwick Law School and Farina Butt, owner of Milk and Mocha Coffee Shop in Kenilworth and Managing Director at Education4All, have joined forces to launch the ‘Conversations and Coffee’ project. The collaborative venture seeks to create an informal space where student volunteers and local community members can come together over free coffee and cake, to practise and improve English speaking, build connections, and foster intercultural awareness.

The project commenced in November 2023, marked by a highly successful pilot course featuring four weekly 'Conversation and Coffee' classes at Milk and Mocha on Thursday mornings. For the final class, the group enjoyed coffee at the Warwick Arts Centre before setting off for a tour of campus which included a trip to Warwick Sports and Wellness Hub. During this visit, learners were generously provided complimentary passes to access the gym/pool facilities.

The initiative, backed by enthusiastic student facilitators, including Naveera Abhayawickrama, a Warwick Law School undergraduate student, brought together 13 learners. Participants ranged from partners of University of Warwick staff and students to newly arrived asylum seekers residing in Kenilworth.

Professor Jane Byran remarked:

“The classes were designed to introduce both communities to each other and to new spaces. As well as providing learners with the opportunity to improve their English language speaking and their awareness of English culture, the classes also provided an opportunity for our students to enhance their employability through gaining experience of facilitating learning”.

Naveera Abhayawickrama shared:

“I can’t begin to explain how insightful and amazing this opportunity has been. Although I was helping the learners improve their confidence in conversing, I was able to learn a lot from them as well. Every week is a new conversation, and listening to their experiences is always inspirational”.

A participant, a spouse of a Warwick PhD student, highlighted the social impact of the project, saying:

“My husband is doing his PhD at Warwick but I get lonely without friends or family here. I love coming to meet others and share food together”.

Farida Butt expressed her delight at the success of the classes, stating:

“When I opened Milk and Mocha, I wanted it to be an inclusive space for all, regardless of race, colour or creed. Milk and Mocha would like to welcome staff and students, and their families, to come and relax and enjoy a peaceful, bright and inclusive space for all, with 10% discount for all students and staff for the rest of this academic year. There are also 50 free drinks reserved for Squid app users (first come, first served). Please check our webpage for opening hours, menus and activities. Your support means we can continue working on projects like the 'Conversation and Coffee’ classes”.