English language course gives Sirini confidence for further study

“I am from Sri Lanka and I came to Australia in 2019. When I came here, my English proficiency was very limited and I had a big fear of communicating with others.

“Although I had learnt English as a subject in my school years, I had never actually practiced speaking English in Sri Lanka. However, I understood that English was essential for day-to-day activities, such as interacting with my children's schools, shopping, and obtaining medication,” she said.

Sirini said the EAL course had a significant impact on her life and helped her to enhance her reading, writing, listening, and speaking abilities. It also helped her to make new friends from different countries.

“The teachers in this course, played a big role in encouraging and supporting me throughout the course. Their outstanding teaching helped boost my confidence,” she said.

Sirini is now studying the Certificate III in School-Based Education Support at South West TAFE and hopes to work in a primary school with young students, so she can share and utilise her knowledge and skills with them.