A group of Tibetan migrants come together weekly at the Footscray library for an English language conversation group, this week they had a visitor from the Western Bulldogs.
The free English language class is run by Volunteer Tutors from Djerriwarrh Community and Education Services as a part of the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP).
AMEP Manager Amira Muminovic said the students didn’t know about AFL before coming to Australia, but they are now excited about the upcoming grand final.
“Western Bulldogs Diversity and Engagement Coordinator Quang Huynh visited to get the group excited about the AFL,” she said.
Amira said the class went really well and the clients were all excited to get in the AFL spirit.
“The 18 clients dressed up in AFL colours and were given caps and footballs to take home.
“The clients were made aware of what the AFL is, what the final is like and which teams are playing.”
Originally the program began with three to four clients, now Amira said it has grown to 16-18 every class.
“Many of our clients are newly arrived refugees and migrants who go through the AMEP programme to help them with English language.
“With these clients we generally ask them what it is that they want to focus on.
“These options could be if they want to improve their speaking, listening, reading or writing, so we try to focus and accommodate their needs.
“AMEP operates in a number of suburbs across the western region, we operate in Sunshine, Footscray, Yarraville and St Albans, so we are everywhere.”
Amira said she encourages anyone interested in this program to look up their eligibility.
Details: learningforemployment.org.au/
Jennifer Pittorino
