Hanan finds home with Navitas Skilled Futures Bankstown
When Hanan arrived in Australia from Lebanon five years ago she felt lost and isolated without any English language skills. With the help of the Adult Migrant English Program she has passed her citizenship test, driving test and is about to complete a childcare work placement in her new home.
Hanan arrived in Australia from Lebanon five years ago. She had moved to be closer to her mother but didn’t anticipate some of the challenges that came with a new country and a new language.
“At first I was very happy because I saw my mum, but after that, I felt not good because I didn’t have friends and I couldn’t speak English well,” she said.
Hanan struggled to settle into her new home in Australia. She quickly realised what the missing ingredient was for her.
“English in Australia is very important, and I spoke so little,” she said.
“We can’t do anything if we don’t speak English.”
So Hanan enrolled in the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) delivered by Navitas Skilled Futures (NSF). The AMEP is funded by the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs.
The program delivers English language and digital skills training for migrants and refugees and includes the vocational Pathways to Work program, bespoke short courses and modules, and the Volunteer Tutor Scheme, which provides additional at-home one-on-one support.
For Hanan, the program opened her world in Australia.
“I’m very happy I enrolled because when I started studying at Bankstown, I learned a lot of things and Navitas school helped me a lot,” she said.
“I [now] have a lot of good friends, and I learned about many cultures and how to accept, respect and understand them.”
She said the teachers also stood out to her.
“I’m very happy I enrolled because when I started studying at Bankstown, I learned a lot of things and Navitas school helped me a lot”
Hanan, Pathways to Work Bankstown
“They helped me a lot,” she said. “They showed me how can I go anywhere or do anything. I’m very happy about that.”
Now Hanan has some major milestones under her belt, assisted by her new English language skills.
“Currently I have my driver licence and I passed my citizenship test,” she said.
Even more than her achievements on paper, she loves her newfound freedom and is using it to explore Sydney.
“I can use the train to go in the morning and have my coffee at Circular Quay, I have freedom to do anything and to go everywhere I want,” she said.
“I feel good now when I go anywhere because I can understand everything.”
“My feeling after [living in Australia] for five years is very well, I couldn’t live in another country,”
Hanan, Pathways to Work Bankstown
Hanan currently cares for her mother but said she dreams of one day finding employment with the help of her Navitas teachers.
“Currently I’m in the Pathways to Work Childcare Course, and I will go for two weeks Work Placement which I’m sure I’m going to enjoy,” she said.
With NSF’s support, Hanan has put down roots in her new home and finally feels that this is where she belongs.
“My feeling after [living in Australia] for five years is very well, I couldn’t live in another country,” she said.
“Finally, I want to say thanks to Navitas and for everyone in Navitas School [NSF Bankstown]. Special thanks to Mrs Micheline (Micheline Nakhle, AMEP Pathway Guidance Advisor).”