The English language skill development programs are now available in 55 locations in Melbourne
Last month, Melbourne AMEP commenced delivery of the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) in Inner Metro Melbourne, North East Melbourne, North West Melbourne, South East Melbourne and Peninsula, and Bendigo regions of Victoria.
The AMEP service assists newly arrived migrants in Victoria to settle successfully within their new communities by developing English language and skills for employment, further study and social connectedness.
English language programs can be studied at one of Melbourne AMEP’s 55 sites. In addition to these programs, Melbourne AMEP provides the option for migrants and refugees to study English in their homes through the AMEP Home Tutor Scheme (HTS). The HTS provides one-on-one weekly language tuition to eligible migrants and refugees with a trained volunteer.
Frances Coppolillo, Deputy CEO and Head of Programs for Melbourne Polytechnic, explains that this service is vital in supporting migrants and newly arrived refugees with social and English skills, who in the early stages of settlement may find it difficult to attend classes.
Melbourne AMEP is seeking volunteers to participate in the Home Tutor Scheme, where one to two hours per week is required to work with a newly arrived refugee or migrant in their home, or a suitable public space, to learn English and settle in Australia
“After 25 years of working closely with many migrant and refugee communities we have developed several programs to suit our clients’ settlement needs and goals, with a strong emphasis on community engagement and ongoing employment,” said Ms Coppolillo, adding that the AMEP HTS is only one of the many learning options available to migrants and refugees. “We have found that there is increasing demand for home tutoring. We want to ensure that AMEP services are as accessible, and that we reach as many people as possible, particularly migrants and refugees in the most vulnerable or isolated situations,” said Ms Coppolillo.
She also said that AMEP has dedicated home tutors who are trained to support migrants and refugees to learn English in their homes, and are looking to train more home tutors to meet the growing demand.
Joh Nightingale has been a volunteer for the past three years, having worked with students from Northern Iraq, Nepal and Lebanon. “Currently I’m tutoring Douha, originally from Lebanon, who I have been working with for the past six months. Her English has improved with the weekly tuition and I’m keen to support her in achieving her goal to become a personal trainer. It’s not only the language skills that we work on but helping her to understand the idiosyncrasies of Australian culture, and I learn about her culture too,” Joh said.
Douha also looks forward to her weekly sessions with Joh and explains how they have become good friends.
“Joh is very supportive and has helped me to understand the English language and Australian culture. I’ve recently had my first baby, a daughter, and it has been wonderful to share this happy time with Joh. I am very grateful to Joh and like that we have a similar sense of humour. We laugh a lot together,” Douha said.
With the planned expansion of the program, Melbourne AMEP is seeking volunteers to participate in the Home Tutor Scheme, where one to two hours per week is required to work with a newly arrived refugee or migrant in their home, or a suitable public space, to learn English and settle in Australia. Free training and support is provided.
To register your interest please contact Melbourne AMEP on 1300 062 314 or email: melbourneamep@melbournepolytechnic.edu.au. For further information regarding Melbourne AMEP and its services please visit the website at www.melbourneamep.com.au. Volunteers already working with AMEP clients and not currently registered with Melbourne AMEP are also encouraged to get in touch.
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