Starting from Zero: How NSF and the AMEP Helped Bahiya Overcome Challenges and Build a New Life in Australia
When Bahiya Masri arrived in Australia from Lebanon in February 2024, she had big dreams, but the reality of adjusting to life in a new country was overwhelming. Everything, including language, culture, and everyday tasks, felt like a challenge.
“I had no experience in anything here for work,” Bahiya says. “Also, I wasn’t good at all in English; I was scared to talk, and I didn’t have confidence in myself. I didn’t know how to describe or explain what I wanted. So, I had no communication skills.”
Bahiya had always dreamed of working in healthcare. “I was dreaming of being a nurse or a paramedic. I went to TAFE, but it was so expensive, so I updated my goals, and now I must wait until I get my permanent residency to study. My goals change continually because of circumstances and time.”
The struggle to find work was another significant challenge. “I asked so many places for a job, but no one could help me because my English wasn’t good and I had no experience. I felt down and depressed,” she admits. “But I kept trying until I got a job at the family supermarket. It is very hard work and less money, but I must start somewhere – from zero, to be better. But then I found Navitas.”
Finding Strength at Navitas
Amidst these struggles, Bahiya’s husband introduced her to Navitas Skilled Futures (NSF) and the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) which has been a huge turning point in her journey. The AMEP, funded by the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs, provides settlement English and support to migrants and refugees in Australia.
“My English class was like my home. I felt like a member of their family,” she says. “Every single one of them was so nice, so helpful, and kind. I learned a lot at Navitas. The most important thing I learned was how to be confident, to trust in myself, and to believe in my potential.”
NSF didn’t just help Bahiya with language skills; it gave her the tools to rebuild her life. “They supported me, taught me how to be strong, believe in myself, and trust my potential. They planted motivation in my heart, gave me advice, helped me think ahead, knew my goals, and guided me,” she says.
“I’m very grateful for all the staff and teachers one by one: Monique, Frances, Hong, Nadia, Maria, Roua, and Safa. They helped me a lot with everything I needed.”
She also found a sense of community. “I had a lot of friends at Navitas; they were like my siblings. We were together in hard times and the good. We helped each other with everything,” she says.
With the support of Navitas, Bahiya slowly started to overcome the challenges that once seemed insurmountable.
“They encouraged me all the time, telling me that one day I would achieve my goal and reach my dreams no matter what. And the most important thing is to be very patient,” she says.
After months of searching, she secured her first job, thanks to NSF and the AMEP.
“I finally found a job as a cashier at a supermarket. Now, I can communicate with people more easily, help my husband with our bills, and I even got my learner’s license. I’m learning to drive and will hopefully get my full license soon,” she says.
Although Bahiya is proud of her progress, she knows this is just the beginning. “I would like to be an immigration officer because I want to help people who are new to Australia, just like I was.”
Bahiya is grateful for the support she received at Navitas and encourages others to take the first step.
“In my point of view, I would like to invite every single person from overseas to join Navitas, to achieve what I achieved, to become a better person, to be successful in life in Australia,” she says.
Encouraging Others to Never Give Up
Bahiya also wants to share a piece of advice for anyone struggling:
“If you want something to happen, just look for it and don’t give up, no matter how many times you fail, just stand up again and keep going. You will get it if you want it. Stubbornness is not always good, but if you use it to achieve your goals, it will make them happen. And another thing – believe in yourself, and don’t let others put you down or ruin your dreams with their talk. You are great, so you deserve better.”