Furloughed Eurostar workers are helping language students amid school closures

A number of French-speaking Eurostar employees are reportedly helping language students while they are furloughed due to the travel restrictions in place to stop the spread of the coronavirus.

Workers who retain roles such as train drivers or are in customer service, marketing, operations, and finance are among those hosting online sessions for pupils during school closures.

The scheme was created to improve students’ confidence in French conversation and maintaining their skills while they learn from home.

Participants are from three schools close to Eurostar’s north-east London depot and its London station St Pancras International.

David Dogue, a French teacher at Sir George Monoux College, Walthamstow, said; "This project with Eurostar has enabled my A-level students to develop their language skills in a rewarding way by joining conversations with native French speakers.

"The opportunity to speak with someone from outside the school helps boost their confidence whilst they are dealing with the challenges of having to study from home."

Eurostar director of communications Mary Walsh said; "This initiative brings together the language skills of our teams, with students who may not have access to French speakers at home.

"It’s a great opportunity for our colleagues to support the local community and help build the confidence of French students.”

The Eurostar employees involved are volunteering as part of the Government’s coronavirus job retention scheme.