Language program opening doors for new arrivals

Last night comedian Anh Do won the Australian Book Industry Awards for his memoir The Happiest Refugee, which dealt with his early challenges learning to speak and write English.

Do’s story had a happy ending, but thousands of people remain locked out of employment and community life because of poor literacy skills.

To help, Mission Australia runs a Language, Literacy and Numeracy Program (LLNP) in more than 30 metro and rural locations. The program aims to help build students’ verbal and written English skills and in turn open doors to employment, study and community participation.

It also targets Australian-born clients who have had disrupted or minimal access to formal education and assists these clients with their reading, writing and numeracy.

Tom McKay, Mission Australia Operations Manager said that LLNP not only provides students with the opportunity to go on to further study and employment, but it also helps them to form friendships and connect with the wider community.

“If you are unable to communicate effectively there can be a feeling of isolation within the immediate community and stronger language skills empower people to be able to get out and be part of the community,” said Mr McKay.

For Muhammad and Maggie, two of Mission Australia’s LLNP students in Sydney’s inner west, the course has made a huge difference.

Muhammad (pictured with LLNP teacher Tina Zhang) enrolled in the program within a week of arriving in Australia. He is fluent in four other languages and moved to Australia from Cairo, Egypt.

Since completing more than half of the course, Muhammad’s written and oral English skills have increased dramatically. As a qualified engineer in Cairo, he hopes to gain employment in the same area once he finishes the LLNP program.

Muhammad added that he also enjoys the social aspect of the class and being able to talk to others in his situation. Having arrived in Australia alone, Muhammad is looking forward to meeting more people in his local area – and knows that strong English skills will unlock more social possibilities for him.

“I love coming to class so I can talk to others and practise my English. Our teacher is fantastic and always provides any extra help if needed”, he said.
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For Maggie, a mother of two from Hong Kong, the course has helped her build confidence to complete everyday practical tasks.

“Before I started the course, I found it very difficult to do simple things,” she said. “Now I can do things like take my son to the doctor or write a note to my son’s school.”

LLNP provides up to 800 hours of language, literacy and numeracy training. Courses are provided in 200 hour modules, with minimum attendance of 10 hours per week.

The initiative is a Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) program that is available to eligible jobseekers who want to increase skills in speaking, listening, reading, writing and maths.

The program is available through Mission Australia in New South Wales, Tasmania, South Australia, the Northern Territory and Western Australia, with a new LLNP service recently beginning in Geraldton.

To find out more, visit the LLNP page or call 1300 676 937.