Earlier this week, executive director Megan Potiki confirmed it would axe the New Zealand certificate in English language (level 2) course, as the institute attempts to stabilise financially.
It is one of nine programmes the polytechnic has confirmed it will cut after the institute went through a series of course reviews. The Otago Daily Times understands more than 30 courses were reviewed.
But Dunedin Refugee Support Group Trust chairwoman Rula Talahma said there would be "ripple effects" down the line as a result of this decision.
The decisions were "incredibly short-sighted", she said.
"Some go through beginner to intermediate courses, but once you are at the polytech, that’s your bridge to go and upskill, study, get a New Zealand qualification and move to the job market and contribute."
Dr Talahma said the goal for refugees was to belong in the new community.
"That’s the ultimate goal of the resettlement, and one of the ways that I see it happening is when the person or the whanau cross from being a service receiver to becoming a service provider.
"And you can’t do that without having language and able to communicate and build relationships in your surroundings."
Dr Talahma said there were also concerns the lack of foundation courses could lead to "cultural gaps" between the adults and the children.
"The younger children who go through the system learn the language, and absorb the cultural practices, and it can happen without their parents moving in the same journey with them."
Dunedin had been leading the way in terms of partnerships for care of former refugees, she said.
"I worry cuts to these courses could affect this, because we should be proud of what we do in this space," Dr Talahma said.
Tertiary Education Union general secretary Daniel Benson-Guiu said the refugee programmes at Otago Polytechnic were crucial to integrating refugees into the Dunedin community and preparing them for future vocational or training opportunities.
"Staff in these programmes are key to this resettlement effort.
"Otago Polytechnic has been a proud cornerstone of the educational fabric of Dunedin and Otago — courses that are important to the community need to be retained."
Dr Potiki said the decision to discontinue the New Zealand certificate in English language (level 2) at Otago Polytechnic from next year was made alongside a wider series of programme sustainability evaluations.
"The programmes we have decided to discontinue do not have the enrolments to support their sustainability.
"However, Otago Polytechnic continues to welcome members of the refugee community, and is still offering the New Zealand certificate in English language at levels 3 and 4 for 2025."
Dr Potiki said in terms of other education providers in Dunedin that could offer assistance to the refugee community, the University of Otago’s English Language Centre offered a range of face-to-face learning programmes at different levels, from elementary to advanced.
It covered listening, speaking, reading, writing, pronunciation and grammar skills.
