24 September, 2019

New residents who have migrated to the St George and Sutherland Shire area are accessing a unique program to learn English, find employment and adapt to their new lifestyle.

TAFE NSW delivers the Adult English Migrant Program (AMEP) to migrants to assist with their transition to Australian life. The AMEP provides up to 510 hours of free English lessons and childcare to newly arrived eligible migrants and refugees.

“Feeding Language” at TAFE NSW Loftus is a pilot program created to provide an additional learning platform for TAFE NSW AMEP students to further develop their English language while also learning some cooking skills.

The nine week program provides one-on-one English language skills alongside basic cooking classes. It allows students to practice their English in context, during social and enjoyable cooking classes.

Graduates from Egypt, China, Thailand, Russia, Georgia, Columbia and Venezuela shared dishes and stories from their cultures during a graduation event held on Friday 20th September.

AMEP Coordinator Lisa Evans said “The Feeding Language program at TAFE NSW gives students a chance to learn and improve their English language skills in conjunction with fun and practical cooking classes.

“Our students are incredibly diverse with at least one course participant from each continent of the globe.

“Many of our AMEP graduates are now planning to continue their education, with their newfound confidence and capability. Of this group, several are already enrolled in additional courses so they can pursue a lifelong career in cookery.”

The AMEP Program is funded by the Australian Government Department of Education and Training and supported by AMEP Volunteer tutors. If you would like information about becoming an AMEP Volunteer tutor in NSW please call (02) 9942 0644 or email AMEPHTS@tafensw.edu.au.

To enquire about enrolling in the AMEP at TAFE NSW, phone 131 601 or visit www.tafensw.edu.au.

Media contact: Alice Dalley, TAFE NSW Media and Communications Business Partner, mobile 0402 528 210