Celebrating 75 Years of the Adult Migrant English Program

Last week, Navitas Skilled Futures (NSF) launched ‘The AMEP & Me’ art exhibition at the Fairfield Central Shopping Centre. The exhibition was created by NSF students to mark 75 years of the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) an initiative that supports the English language settlement needs of migrants and refugees. It also celebrated 25 years of NSF’s delivery of the AMEP, and their unwavering support and assistance to over 250,000 migrants and refugees since 1998. 

The AMEP, funded by the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs, has played a pivotal role in the settlement journey of countless individuals arriving on Australian shores. ‘The AMEP & Me’ exhibition showcases the before and after journeys of AMEP students, highlighting the program’s impact on their lives and their communities. 

NSF General Manager, Jetinder Macfarlane, expressed her pride in the exhibition. “As we celebrate 75 years of the Adult Migrant English Program, ‘The AMEP & Me’ exhibition stands as a testament to the transformative power of education and the support of the community,” she said.

“As a training provider for the Australian Government for the past 25 years, we’re proud to have been a part of our students’ journeys, empowering them to build meaningful lives in Australia.” 

NSF General Manager, Jetinder Macfarlane

One NSF student who features in the upcoming exhibition is Nidhal Matti, who arrived with her mother from Iraq in 2021, and has since received her Australian citizenship. 

“Being a part of the AMEP at NSF was a life-changing experience,” Nidhal shared. “It not only helped me learn English but NSF also acted as a supportive community that made Australia feel like home. Now, as a proud Australian citizen, I am grateful for the opportunities it has given me.” 

“Being a part of the AMEP at NSF was a life-changing experience.”

NSF student, Nidhal Matti

‘The AMEP & Me’ photography exhibition will be on display in various locations across South West Sydney and the ACT throughout December 2023 and January 2024, providing the public with the chance to learn stories of resilience, diversity, and successful settlement in Australia.  

Visit ‘The AMEP & Me’ web page to learn more about the student stories