Empowering Through Experience

Through the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP), eligible migrants and refugees can access free English language classes to support their settlement journey. The AMEP is funded by the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs and delivered by TAFE Queensland.

Sophya has been living in Australia for six years since she immigrated from Cambodia and joined the AMEP in 2018, which began her journey towards settlement. Reflecting on those times, Sophya shared how positively the program impacted her.

“I loved learning about Australian culture and how to settle in Australia from my teachers, classmates and all the people who came to visit. Everything was so different when I arrived, the lifestyle, the culture, and the language. Even though I’d been learning English in Cambodia, it wasn’t the same.”

Feeling a strong desire to give back to the community that had helped her so much, Sophya decided to become a volunteer tutor within the AMEP at TAFE Queensland Inala. She is uniquely qualified to share her knowledge and experiences with current students, some of whom are in a similar situation to her.

“I can come back to the place where I started to learn English, get work experience in an Australian workplace and at the same time I can talk to people from other countries and share our experiences and culture.”

The Volunteer Tutor Program assists AMEP students in improving their English language skills for work, further study, and everyday activities. Volunteers are provided free training and matched with AMEP students and can then organise a time and place to meet up outside the classroom.

Sophya volunteered in an innovative program called "Stronger Women, Stronger Communities" which equips female humanitarian and migrant AMEP clients with essential skills and fosters self-confidence, independence and career awareness.

As some of the students had no previous education or prior school experience, the program was not limited to improving English literacy but also focused on mental and physical well-being, basic digital skills, and job coaching.

As part of a program, students utilised their crafting and sewing skills to create items that were sold at a pop-up marketplace. The goal was to raise $100, however, due to the immense support from the TAFE Queensland Inala campus, the students were able to surpass their target and raised $1190. The proceeds were then donated to the Immigrant Women's Support Services.

The program ended on a high note with great success, students reported feeling more confident in themselves and their abilities after completing the project and were extremely thankful to their teachers and Sophya for their guidance and encouragement.

Sophya's previous experience in the AMEP gave her a unique perspective, allowing her to empathise with the students while mentoring them, making her a perfect match for this innovative program.

“It was a full-circle moment coming back and helping students. I am also so delighted and happy that I have a chance to experience the Australian workplace. TAFE is a place that I love coming to, I can see my teachers, and help other people in similar situations.”

Despite the challenges of settling in a new country, Sophya remains dedicated to making a positive impact and contributing to her community. Her story is a testament to her hard work, determination, and the importance of programs like the AMEP.

“I would definitely recommend the AMEP, I think it's very helpful for refugees and migrants, not only learning English but also to help them settle in Australia, in making connections, networking and making friends.”