From Hesitation to Hope — Desmond’s Journey to Language and Literacy Skills with Navitas Skilled Futures (NSF)

“NSF has truly changed my life by helping me read, write, and spell. I want my friends to feel the same sense of progress and possibility, which is why I have encouraged them to join and benefit from the SEE program as well.” 

Born in Cook Islands, Desmond moved to Australia permanently in 2000. His educational journey was interrupted when he left school at just eight years old. As a result, basic literacy skills such as reading, writing, and even signing his name, were significant challenges throughout his life. 

Desmond first learned about Navitas Skilled Futures (NSF) from his friend. He then mentioned this to his Employment Service Provider who enrolled him into the Skills for Education and Employment (SEE) Program in August 2025 at NSF Sunshine college, Melbourne.  

The Skills for Education and Employment (SEE) Program is funded by the Australian Government Department of Employment and Workplace Relations.   

Building Skills from the Ground Up 

“First day as I walked into NSF, I didn’t know what to expect. It was very difficult for me to speak, I didn’t even know how to write or spell which made me very nervous,” recalls Desmond. 

With strong support from his Navitas teachers, Desmond approached learning with courage and commitment. He began by mastering the basics—learning how to hold a pen correctly, despite initial pain and discomfort. 

During the initial days his dedication was relentless. He filled notebooks with letters and words, as part of his daily practice. “It helps me a lot. I practice every day so I can improve my life,” he says. This persistence laid the foundation for steady and meaningful progress. 

A turning point came for Desmond, when an NSF assessor encouraged him to start practicing his signature. What began as a small task soon became his determination to improve his language, literacy, numerical and digital skills. 

Transformation: Confidence in Literacy and Life 

 “Everyone at NSF is my friend – my classmates, teachers and staff. They make me feel comfortable and are very supportive. I am not nervous anymore.”   

Today, Desmond can spell numerous words, numbers, and read materials that were once inaccessible to him. With assistance, he can now navigate official documents, an important step towards independence. Desmond loves using his favourite Aussie expressions such as “mate” and “How you going?” 

“I want to keep learning because English opens a lot of doors. Everywhere I go, even the games I play everyone speaks English. The more I learn and improve my language, the more I feel part of the society. Thanks to NSF, I can now communicate better and with confidence.” 

A Renewed Sense of Possibility 

His growing literacy has also opened pathways towards employment. Desmond is currently working on obtaining his learner driver’s licence, a key milestone in his goal to pursue working as a courier/delivery driver. 

He is committed to continuing his learning journey and build more skills with NSF. “NSF has truly changed my life by helping me read, write, and spell. I want my friends to feel that same sense of progress and possibility, which is why I have encouraged them to join and benefit from the SEE program as well.” 

Desmond’s journey reflects more than academic improvement, it showcases a personal transformation built on resilience, support, and a willingness to try again. It is a powerful reminder that with the right opportunity, encouragement, and determination, individuals can overcome even the deepest educational barriers. 

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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