Kashiko was at STEPS for 18 months and was a hardworking, conscientious student. Her goal was to improve her English to integrate into our Cairns community and obtain employment.
Although a qualified Dive Instructor and Swimming Teacher in Japan, Kashiko had to do a 2-day theory and 2-week practical training course with AUSTSWIM in English, completing the TSW327136 qualification -Teacher of Swimming and Water Safety course. She is now a Swimming Instructor at the Woree Pool.
She has this to say about her time at STEPS:
I spent a long and happy time at STEPS. When I started, I couldn’t even write in my own diary. However, thanks to the kind and empathetic teachers, my skills improved. I made some really great memories with these teachers and classmates. I used to have a complex because I was not good at speaking English, but now I teach swimming to children and speak English every day. I am having a great time! I work 6 days a week now and although it may be physically difficult at times, I do my best because I am needed.
I was able to change my life because I had the courage to do so and I am grateful to the people at STEPS for their help!