From Afghanistan to the classroom, and a career at Service NSW 

Shafiqa arrived in Australia two years ago as a humanitarian entrant with her husband and two young children, leaving behind a life in Afghanistan that had become increasingly difficult under Taliban rule. As a woman, her freedom and future had been severely limited.  Then she discovered the benefits of developing her skills through the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) at Navitas Skilled Futures.

Shafiqa talks about the life she left before coming to Australia.

“In Afghanistan, life became extremely hard, especially for women, after the Taliban returned to power. As a woman, I had no hope or opportunities to grow or live freely. We made the decision to move for a safer future and better opportunities for our family,” she said. 

Starting a new life in a new country with no family nearby was daunting.  

“I don’t have any family here in Australia, and I really miss them. When I first arrived, everything felt new and I was feeling lonely.”  

But that began to change when she discovered the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) at Navitas Skilled Futures (NSF). 

Feeling part of a family at NSF

Shafiqa began with the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) at NSF Fairfield, enrolling in the Certificate III in Spoken and Written English. The AMEP is free to migrants and refugees in the community and is funded by the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs. 

“Joining the AMEP changed everything,” said Shafiqa. “NSF became like a new family to me. I made so many good friends and found support, encouragement, and direction. It helped me find my way in a new country.” 

“The AMEP course is the best for all migrants especially for newcomers. It was very helpful, encouraging and full of useful information,” explained Shafiqa. “It really helped improve my English. I had wonderful teachers who supported and motivated me. I also made many new friends and started building a network in this new environment.” 

Beyond just improving her language skills, AMEP played a key role in helping Shafiqa settle into life in Australia. “The AMEP taught me a lot about Australian life and culture, as well as information regarding Australian history and people. It helped me feel more confident and connected in my new country.” 

“The course helped me understand business administration and customer service in Australia. I learned how to use business tools, communicate professionally, customer service and work in an office environment

Shafiqa, AMEP Fairfield client

Getting on the path to job skills

Wanting to continue building her skills and prepare for work, Shafiqa continued her studies in the Pathways to Business Administration and Customer Service course. This course is a part of the Settlement Language Pathways to Employment and Training (SLPET) element of the AMEP and provides industry-specific vocational language and work skills to support clients who are preparing to enter the workforce.

“This was the best course, and I miss those days. It was a great team. The course helped me understand business administration and customer service in Australia. I learned how to use business tools, communicate professionally, customer service and work in an office environment,” said Shafiqa.

Shafiqa especially valued the guidance and support from her teacher and advisors. 

Planning goals with NSF advisors

“I especially appreciated the amazing support from our teacher, and our fantastic Pathway Guidance Advisors. They gave us excellent advice, helped us plan our professional goals, practiced interview techniques with us, and even provided work placement opportunities. Because of this course, I was able to make a clear plan for my professional life in Australia. We did so many fantastic things together, and it was an unforgettable experience.” 

As part of the course, Shafiqa completed a Statement of Attainment in “Plan and prepare for work readiness” and undertook 40 hours of work experience which helped her learn about the Australian workplace. 

Ready for her first job

Soon after, she began applying for jobs, including a position at Service NSW. Thanks to the interview practice and resume support from NSF, Shafiqa felt ready.  

“Using the interview skills learnt in the SLPET program gave me the confidence to prepare and undertake the interview successfully.”  

Shafiqa was offered the role and is now working full time as a Customer Concierge Operator. 

“My role at Service NSW allows me to use everything I have learned in NSF and TAFE, from communication to customer service and administration. For the future, I want to continue progressing in my professional life. Since I’ve completed a Diploma of Leadership and Management, I hope to become a team leader or manager in the next few years.” 

Looking back, she says NSF played a major role in shaping her success.  

“NSF helped me build confidence, improve my English, and find good friends. NSF prepare me for my future in Australia and played a big role in helping me adjust to life in a new country.” 

Shafiqa is very proud of how far she has come since she first arrived in Australia.  

“As a mum with two kids starting a new life in a new country wasn’t easy, but NSF was the first step that gave me direction and strength. It helped me become a more motivated, confident, and capable mother, and I’m still working toward my professional goals every day.” 


Find out more about the Adult Migrant English Program at Navitas Skilled Futures by calling 1300 798 111.