An English language school is offering places on its courses to a minimum of 18 refugees in a pilot project announced today.

The initiative, by Elanguest school, was welcomed by Social Solidarity Minister Michael Farrugia and Education Minister Evarist Bartolo, who hailed it as a gesture of corporate social responsibility which would help the integration of such people.

The refugees will be able to join the courses from next week. The initiative continues until June.

Mr Bartolo noted that such courses were also offered by NGOs but he hoped that more language schools would also follow Elanguest's example.

Mr Farrugia said it was hoped such a service would also be extended to people granted humanitarian status.