Learning to give back
Loran McKean lacked confidence about her ability to study, but after completing a horticulture course she’s found a new outlook on life and is grateful to give back to the community that welomed her.
Stories
Language is a lifechanger
Ghazal Sharhani was depressed and isolated after she arrived in Australia. But taking English classes opened the door to new friendshiips and now Ghazal dreams of a successful future and a career in pathology.
There’s no stopping Chris
When Chris Roland attended her first class at TAFE SA in 2019 after almost 30 years away from a classroom it was part of a promise she made to herself. It was also the next crucial step in her recovery from domestic violence.
Facebook for English
English language teacher Shveta Bhutani uses a closed Facebook group with her adult students to practise English, build friendships and cultural understanding. And it’s a strategy that’s paying off in face to face classes.
Lockdown learning
Before the coronavirus pandemic Annie Heyes called herself an IT dinosaur. But the lockdown forced her and other members of Wynyard U3A to use digital technology in ways they would never have imagined.
Digital at the depot
A digital literacy training program at the City of Sydney run by NSW TAFE is ensuring that outdoor employees like Glen Freeney can successfully make the transition from manual paper based systems to electronic paperless ones.
Learning on the job
The WA government is trying to stem the flow of young people away from rural and regional towns by offering local learning opportunities that give them the skills to stay and work in their communities.
Singing for sweet freedom
It’s a decade since the Choir of Hard Knocks won our hearts with the uplifting story of how music can turn lives around. Sweet Freedom Singers, a choir of people from all walks of life, and of different abilities, continue the tradition.
Education for young mums
Young mums in the Victorian country town of Mildura are learning skills to deal with the challenges of being a young parent and re-engaging in education to help them on the pathway to a brighter future.
Older wiser drivers
For people over 60, driving on our roads today is very different to when they first got their licence. A growing number of older Victorians are signing up for classes to improve their safety and confidence behind the wheel.
Out of the ashes
The effect of devastating bushfires on Australian towns like Yarloop in WA are focussing attention on the work of community centres and the crucial role they play in disaster preparedness, recovery and rebuilding communities.
Better literacy better health
Low rates of adult literacy go hand in hand with poorer health and wellbeing. New research highlights how adult literacy programs for Indigenous Australians improves the health of people who’ve taken part.
Facing her fears
Having the support and encouragement of a mentor, learning Auslan, and work experience in the hearing world has brought Anita out of her shell. Once uncertain and shy, now she’s excited about her future.
Enabling employment
Technology giant Ericsson’s former warehouse is experiencing a new lease of life. Instead of storing new technology the building is an e-waste recycling hub that’s giving local people new opportunities for work and learning.
Turning life around
A supportive employer and an adult literacy tutor have turned life around for 26 year old Greg Nelson of WA. Greg was recently named one of three Adult Learners Week scholarship winners for his committment to improving his literacy skills.