65-year-old Leticia Milner is using her newfound English skills gained through distance learning with TAFE Digital to help grow her fruit and jam-making business on the Eyre Peninsula.

Leticia came to Australia from the Philippines as a tourist but met and eventually married her husband and settled in Australia. She enrolled in the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) via distance learning in November 2020 to improve her English language skills and help with fruit sales at her farm. 

“I originally came from the Philippines as a tourist, but as things sometimes go, I met an online friend Brian, who eventually became my husband. I have been so impressed with the clean, fresh air, fresh food and the tranquillity of Australia,” Leticia said. 

“As a married couple, we do a lot of work together at home and on the farm. We have managed to grow and sell a lot of fruits. We also make homemade apricot jam that we sell through Tumby Bay Op Shop which is run by volunteers.”

The AMEP helps eligible migrants and refugees to learn the foundation English language and settlement skills that will help them to participate socially and economically within Australian society.

AMEP Distance Learning is another way students can learn English within the AMEP. Distance Learning offers students the flexibility to study one-on-one with an AMEP teacher over the phone or online, at a time that suits them. 

“I enrolled in the AMEP via Distance Learning in November 2020. I only learned to use the computer through self-study and help from the friendly people at TAFE Digital,” Leticia said.

“I felt so welcomed, the people were so helpful, and they did their best to help me with any issues that affected my learning. My teacher was so friendly, accommodating and patient. I am now able to speak to my customers using English which I have learnt through the AMEP.”

AMEP students can join virtual classrooms where they can meet other students with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and goals. Students also have the opportunity to practise their English with each other.

“I highly recommend and encourage people to start learning with AMEP Distance Learning. If you are new to this country, take this opportunity to enhance your lives and achieve your dreams.

“To my amazement, I have made great progress in the program. I am so thankful to the people at TAFE Digital as they never failed to recognise my improvement and achievements. I feel so proud of myself for achieving my goals and I highly recommend the AMEP to all students.”

To learn more about the AMEP at TAFE NSW, call 1800 114 707 or email amep@tafensw.edu.au. 

Media contact: Alice Dalley, TAFE NSW Communications Specialist, alice.dalley1@tafensw.edu.au, mobile 0402 528 210.