From Turkey, Elif arrived in Australia in 2013 with no English language skills.
She said she felt isolated and frustrated by the challenges of everyday tasks such as shopping or appointments.
“Often my husband would translate for me, so I didn’t have the confidence to go out without him,” she said.
“Now that I can speak English, I’m not isolated; I’m out in the community meeting people.”
Elif enrolled in the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) at TAFE NSW Deniliquin.
It is funded by the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs to provide free English language classes for migrants and humanitarian entrants.
The AMEP has been a lifeline for Elif and many other new migrants.
Its aims to improve on the findings of the Adult Literacy Inquiry, which identified too many Australians are living with language and literacy gaps limiting their life choices.
Elif enrolled in Certificate I, II and III Spoken and Written English, and a TAFE NSW Statement in Vocational Support and Pathways, all qualifications that improved her English skills and prepared her for work under the guidance of teacher, Amanda McCrabb.
“These TAFE New South Wales and AMEP courses changed my life,” she said.
“I have more confidence and I’m earning an income and making social connections after starting my own business.
“I make amigurumi, which is the Japanese art of knitting or crocheting small stuffed animals.
“I also crochet jewellery and flowers, but will try crocheting anything my customers request.
“My business, HandmadElife is a combination of online orders through Facebook and my stalls at most markets in the area.
“None of this would have been possible without the support of my TAFE teachers and the written and spoken language skills they taught me.
“I encourage other migrants to improve their English and expand their horizons.”
TAFE NSW career pathways head teacher Leonie Francis said there was a whole section of the community who would benefit from improved communication skills.
“There is an increasing number of new Australians who move to this region to work, either on farms or in engineering, accounting, or health and we welcome them to connect with us to improve their language skills,” Mrs Francis said.
“Elif is a shining example of how improved language skills can lead to employment, but just as important can improve a person’s social outcomes, like a stronger connection to their community.”
