“When I first arrived from the war, everything was completely new and overwhelming. The SEE Program didn’t just teach me English. It gave me the confidence and practical skills to build an independent life in Australia.”
When Reem arrived in Australia as a refugee from Gaza, Palestine, she faced the challenge of rebuilding her life in a new country.
In Gaza, Reem had built a successful career as a Veterinary Manager and Laboratory Scientist, specialising in farm animal health, particularly poultry. While she had officially retired, Reem remained determined to continue learning and pursue new opportunities. Her goal is to use her experience and skills to work towards a future role as a Laboratory Assistant.
Reem recognised that strengthening her English language and literacy skills developing digital skills and building confidence in workplace communication would be important steps towards achieving her goals. In 2024, following an initial interview with her SEE Program Support Officer (SPSO), Reem enrolled in the Skills for Education and Employment (SEE) Program at Navitas Skilled Futures Bankstown.
Funded by the Australian Government Department of Employment and Workplace Relations, the SEE Program helps eligible participants build the language, literacy, numeracy, digital and employability skills needed to participate confidently in work and everyday life.
Building skills for independence and employment
Reem enrolled in the Certificate II in English as Another Language (EAL) (Employment), where she developed English skills tailored to workplace and everyday situations.
Through the SEE Program, Reem gained practical skills that helped her become more independent. One of her first challenges was learning how to use public transport in Australia. With support from her trainers, she learnt how to understand bus routes, read timetables and use travel apps.
Today, Reem confidently travels to class, appointments and around her community independently. These skills have helped remove barriers to participation and have increased her confidence accessing opportunities, attending appointments and preparing for future employment.
As her English and digital skills improved, Reem also became more confident understanding information, completing everyday tasks and communicating with service providers. She developed the confidence to ask questions, communicate her needs and advocate for herself.
Celebrating important milestones
One of Reem’s proudest achievements was obtaining her NSW Photo Card.
With guidance from her SPSO, Reem learnt how to navigate the Service NSW website, understand the application process and successfully obtain her first Australian identification. This milestone strengthened her independence and gave her greater confidence completing important paperwork, accessing services and preparing for future interactions with employers.
Using the communication, digital and problem-solving skills developed through the SEE Program, Reem was also able to navigate the housing application process and secure her own apartment.
Having a safe and stable home has provided Reem with the confidence and security to focus on her future goals.
Reflecting on her experience, Reem said:
“When I first arrived from the war, everything was completely new and overwhelming. I didn’t know how the buses worked or how to speak to local departments. The SEE Program didn’t just teach me English. They gave me the tools to build a safe, independent life in my own apartment and the confidence to speak up without fear.”
Looking towards the future
Today, Reem travels independently, communicates confidently and continues building the skills needed to achieve her employment goals.
Her story shows that success in the SEE Program extends far beyond the classroom. By developing practical English language, literacy, digital and employability skills, participants gain the confidence to engage with their communities, communicate with employers, attend job interviews and take meaningful steps towards employment.
At 65 years of age, Reem’s journey is a powerful reminder that it is never too late to learn new skills, build confidence and create new opportunities.
The Skills for Education and Employment (SEE) Program is funded by the Australian Government Department of Employment and Workplace Relations. For those seeking language, literacy, numeracy, and digital skills through the SEE Program, call Navitas Skilled Futures on 1300 798 111.
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