Navitas Skilled Futures gives Tanzeem the keys to unlock her future

Tanzeem Chaudhary is an active member of her Liverpool community but six months ago she felt like an entirely different person. In her own words, she shares how enrolling in the Australian Government-funded Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) delivered by Navitas Skilled Futures Liverpool transformed her settlement journey in Australia.

Just last year, I arrived in Australia on a spouse visa. Stepping off the plane, I felt like I had entered an entirely new world. I’m originally from India, but I spent 15 years living in Saudi Arabia, where I didn’t need to speak English. Suddenly, I found myself in a country where I didn’t know the language or the culture.

I was terrified. How would I connect with people? How would I communicate? My confidence was at an all-time low. I felt lost.

But I wasn’t ready to give up. After a few months of adjusting to my new life, I decided to enroll in the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) at Navitas Skilled Futures. This decision changed everything for me. The program gave me the tools I needed to start rebuilding my confidence. I started to feel more at ease, learning to hold conversations, talk to my friends, and even understand the Australian accent.

The more I learned, the more I wanted to do. I didn’t just want to improve my language skills; I wanted to find my place in this new community. That’s when I discovered the Core Skills for Work Project at Navitas. Through this project, I learned computer skills and got the chance to volunteer in different roles. It opened up a world of possibilities for me that I had never imagined.

One of the most memorable experiences was volunteering at the Customer Service Liverpool Job Expo. It was something completely new to me, but it gave me the confidence to believe that I could pursue work in different fields. I remember thinking, “If I can do this, what else is possible?”

“If I can do this, what else is possible?”

Tanzeem Chaudhary, on volunteering at the Liverpool Job Expo

Navitas has been a constant source of support for me. They’ve been helping migrants like me for decades, providing a safe and nurturing environment. The Pathway Guidance Officers at Navitas have been incredible, guiding me every step of the way and helping me navigate this new chapter of my life.

Before I moved to Australia, I worked as a beautician in Saudi Arabia. I wanted to continue in that field here, but I wasn’t sure how. That’s where my Pathways Guidance Advisor at Navitas came in. She helped me figure out the qualifications I needed and even connected me with a college in Liverpool. Now, I’m enrolled in a Certificate III in beauty therapy, attending classes three days a week.

But my journey didn’t stop there. I wanted to give back to the community that had welcomed me so warmly. So, I started volunteering with AMES Workforce Australia and assisting at a local playgroup on weekends. These experiences have been so rewarding, both professionally and personally.

One of the unexpected joys of volunteering was discovering that some of my fellow volunteers live in my apartment building! We connected, exchanged numbers, and now I feel like I’m part of a community. It’s amazing how these small connections can make such a big difference.

Looking back, I’m amazed at how far I’ve come. When I first arrived in Australia, I couldn’t have imagined the opportunities that lay ahead. The staff at Navitas have opened so many doors for me, whether it’s for my future or my studies. They’ve been so supportive and kind.

As I continue to build my language skills and explore new opportunities, I feel a growing excitement about my future here in Australia. Navitas has given me the confidence to apply for jobs and take on new challenges, even though I’m naturally a shy person. If someone like me, who was so scared at the beginning, can gain so much from this experience, I believe others could achieve even more.

My journey is still ongoing, and I can’t wait to see where it takes me next.