Since commencing in April, the program has seen huge success with eight Indigenous men completing our program. These local men were supported by their trainer Peter to understand the road rules and practice the online test questions, preparing them well for the theory component of the learner’s license test. The men approached the eight-week training program with enthusiasm and absolute dedication.

We are incredibly proud to hear that to date four of these men have gained their Learners. The men have talked about how this achievement has made them feel a sense of pride. One participant said, “My family is so proud of me.”

The program has received wonderful feedback from the participants, as well as Tangentyere Council staff.

Tangentyere Council and STEPS are now looking forward to continuing the program and running a sister program encouraging local women to also ‘get behind the wheel’.

She found out about STEPS AMEP and the Ready for Work course (SLPET) shortly after arriving in Australia.

“I appreciate STEPS and the teachers who taught me. They went out of their way to help and make my life easier,” says Yvonne.

Yvonne improved her understanding of English through the AMEP program, which helped her gain long-term employment at Coles, where she has been working since 2021.

“Because of the SLPET work experience, I got an understanding of the Australian work environment, responsibilities and skills needed,” she said.

Over 40 participants and service providers joined this event immersing in fun and informative activities.

We kicked off with an information session where AMEP and SEE programs were introduced to all participants with photos showcasing the wonderful learning experience STEPS Casuarina has been offering over the years.  

Our AMEP 75th Anniversary award of excellence winner Amalynn Manlutac also received her certificate and presented a touching and encouraging speech. 

After Amalynn’s speech, guests went on a STEPS tour led by our student ambassadors. To ensure a smooth experience, Student Support Officer Yeimi Salazar Villa prepared the student ambassadors with training sessions over three weeks. Work procedures, ambassador work schedule and tour path were explicitly presented during the sessions. 

Cheered by the songs performed by STEPS music band, guests signed up with various hands-on activities offered at the Open Day. They made their own coffee using an espresso machine under the guidance of teacher Joyce Wu.  Teacher Catherine Brewster’s mini-English class had a hilarious moment when discussing the use of language in life and at work. Henna hand design was a big hit with crowds of people lining up to get their hands decorated with aesthetic patterns. It was led by our receptionist Bhavyah and two students. 

 STEPS staff and students collaborated closely to ensure a wonderful experience for our community. The teamwork demonstrated from this event helped lead another success for the Casuarina team.

Are you newly settled in Australia looking to improve English or employability skills and become ready for work? Get in touch with our team to enrol in one of our classes. Click on these links below:

The event kicked off with Student Support Officer Yeimi Salazar Villa being the MC for the event, and an Acknowledgement of Country by our terrific trainer and assessor Jeffrey Wild. We had an amazing guest speaker Kunzang Chophel, a registered Counsellor and Psychotherapist who works for Anglicare’s Refugee & Migrant Settlement Services. He discussed enhancing mental health, well-being and self-care for migrants. During his presentation discussions were held around the difficulties experienced through the migration journey, the trauma and impact it has on migrants, and where can you seek help, Self-care tips were also shared to our students and trainers, who really enjoyed his presentation.  

We then had Brooke Gibbs and Roe Van Der Westhuizen from Team Health’s Recovery Approach Program discuss the basic facts around mental health and how to recognise signs that you are struggling. They then conducted an activity with participants designed to help appraise one’s own coping skills, social support network and understanding the eight personal factors that impact individuals’ overall wellbeing. Everyone was engaged and enjoyed the activity.   

Neami National – Head to Health provided students and trainers with a list of services they offer and outlined how people can get assistance through their service. 

Once presentations where completed we had Anglicare delivering Flamenco Dancing lessons, which was a big hit with around 25 students and other service providers getting their groove on and spreading the good vibes.

Red Cross facilitated a yoga and meditation session, which STEPS students and trainers were delighted with following the relaxation and gratification of a good stretch and stress relief. 

A team from Melaleuca delivered activities and games around self-care, mental health and depression.

Ingo from Centrelink discussed what services are available through Services Australia to assist clients who may be suffering mental ill health or are impacted by a crisis. They had engaging conversations with our SEE students. 

Our little ones at creche also joined the celebration of R U OK? Day in their cheerful yellow outfits. 

The event ended on a great note, with a terrific spread of yellow food prepared by our talented students and staff.

This morning Palmerston students and staff acknowledged R U OK? Day with a fabulous and very yellow morning tea.

Every year, on the second Thursday of September, Australia comes together to ask a simple yet profoundly important question: “Are you okay?”

R U OK? Day is an important reminder that a conversation can change a life.

Leading up to the day AMEP Palmerston students enjoyed making yellow decorations together.

This year’s theme is ‘I’m Here to Hear’. Here are some simple strategies to help you have that conversation with someone you sense might be struggling.

Ask: Reach out to someone you care about and ask, “Are you okay?” It can be a friend, family member, colleague.

Listen: When they respond, listen with an open heart and without judgment. Allow them the space to share their thoughts and feelings.

Encourage Action: If they’re not okay, encourage them to seek support from professionals, friends, or family members.

Check In: Follow up with them in the coming days to see how they are going.

Finding Help

If you or someone you know is struggling with life’s ups and down, there are people ready to help you. 

Reach out to Lifeline, Beyond Blue, or 13 Yarn.

If your or someone else’s life is in danger, call 000 for immediate assistance.

For more information about the national initiative, visit R U OK?

Participants have been enjoying growing and harvesting activities from the Gray Harvest Corner Community Garden. Although the garden is currently closed for renovations, the students continue to attend the Gray Community Hall each Thursday for other activities such as cooking and yoga. These activities break up the week for the students.

Palmerston’s business manager Yvonne Coleman says the students really enjoy practical activities at the Gray Community Hall. Thanks to Palmerston City Council’s generosity, STEPS has free access to the wonderful facility to run these groups.

The theme to this year’s Adult Learners Week is ‘It’s never too late to learn’, and Thomas Hamlyn-Harris, a student at STEPS Caloundra, is the perfect example of how pivoting your skills to stay passionate in your career can have a great impact and create new opportunities.

To highlight the benefits of upskilling for Adult Learners Week, we visited a Certificate III in Individual Support (CHC33015) classroom at STEPS Caloundra and spoke with Thomas Hamlyn-Harris.

Thomas was a university lecturer in graphic design but after experiencing burnout during the pandemic, he desired a career change, and found satisfaction in support work in the disability sector.

Although he already had some experience gained on the job, Thomas pursued the CERT III program to acquire additional skills for his professional development.

Throughout his learning journey he says STEPS has provided him with great one-on-one support and excellent learning materials.

“Their online learning platform is really clear and has enabled me to learn a lot through the process.”

The class environment has also helped contribute to Thomas’ positive overall experience.

“I’ve really enjoyed being in a small classroom but there are lots of activities and interactions encouraged so we have a good laugh and enjoy the day as well as do the learning.”

Lifelong skills that transfer beyond the classroom and workplace add value to Thomas’s learning outcomes.

“The skills I’ve learned at STEPS have really helped me outside of the college because I think I have more understanding and patience with everyone. Understanding dementia in particular has really helped me in talking to my clients. That theoretical knowledge as well as practical knowledge has really helped me be more myself with the clients.”

While completing his course at STEPS, Thomas also created his own company incorporating his background in graphic design, publishing and writing with disability support. His company will “support people with disabilities to achieve their goals in the creative industries”.

We wish you all the best in your new endeavours, Thomas!

Established with the aim of empowering adults to continue their educational journeys, this initiative holds special significance at STEPS, where a diverse range of vocational programs and courses focus on equipping adults with skill sets needed for professional and personal development.

Throughout Adult Learners Week, STEPS sites across Australia will host activities that celebrate the personal, social, and professional benefits of adult learning.

This year’s theme – It’s never too late – encourages people to seize the moment and take advantage of opportunities to learn something new, regardless of age, background, or previous educational history.

Adult Learners Week serves as a reminder that learning is a lifelong journey that knows no age limits, and it encourages everyone to embrace the joy of discovery and self-improvement.

To kick off the celebration, STEPS Darwin at Palmerston had students in the AMEP (Adult Migrants English Program) participate in an Alphabet Scavenger Hunt. Students communicated in English to one another in groups to complete the hunt and win a prize.

To learn more about the event and its history, visit the official website at adultlearnersweek.org.

The single mother of 4, now 7 in a blended family chose to pursue a career in aged and disability care following the loss of her mother. Watching her mother advocate for a culturally safe space for Indigenous patients was a real turning point for Dana.

“What my mother gave me on this sad but incredible journey was insight into how important cultural knowledge and practices are when providing care and support for our First Nations patients and their families in such sensitive and significant time in their lives.”

Dana says she decided to become certified in individual support work after being her mother’s carer because nursing work seemed familiar to her, and she felt “a yearning to be this kind of support for my mob.” She chose to study through STEPS Education and Training because the course structure was more student-focused and flexible, more support was available to students, and the learning journey was more tailored to her needs and family commitments.

“My STEPS trainer was kind and listened to my needs. I explained my family commitments, my volunteer commitments, my cultural commitments. She said we could make it work. And we did. When I was unable to commit to some of the training days, she organized alternatives. There were financial barriers, she linked me with the student support officer. I needed to be with my children in the school holidays, she arranged for other work arrangements. She was with me, every step of the way, encouraging me and helping me.”

“My culture was also celebrated, explored and considered with regards to my cultural duties in my family and community.”

Dana believes it is important that there are culturally appropriate pathways for First Nations people to access higher education.

For younger people still in high school, a vocational training pathway through a centre like STEPS can also provide “so much to choose from, on the job training, smaller classes, flexible, hands-on, it can shortcut you to university if that’s what you want, head start your career while still in school, smaller campuses than university.”

As a highly dedicated and involved volunteer in many First Nations communities throughout Queensland, Dana says her leadership roles in the community underpin all of who she is and what her purpose is.

Her involvement over the years includes contributing to research projects at the Centre for Indigenous Education and Research that her mother, Australian Catholic University’s late Professor Nereda White, established, sharing her cultural knowledge with advisory committees for land and sea management that she is a part of, acting as a medical referrer for North Coast Aboriginal Corporation for Community Health.

“First Nations women play a pivotal role in Aboriginal culture, and we have always played an essential role in the leadership of our communities. Often it is the voices of Aboriginal women that have been forced into silence during the oppression of Aboriginal people. Nowhere is it more obvious than during this critical time when Aboriginal women know and understand the dynamics of what is exactly happening in our families and communities.”

Dana’s leadership and community involvement paid off upon graduation from Cert III in Individual Support through STEPS. Her skills combined with her prolific history in community development earned her a paid role with the Caloundra Community Centre as the First Nations Community Development Worker. Dana now focuses on planning, designing, and leading culturally appropriate events, community-led workshops, and discussions for Indigenous people in the community around shared concerns and needs. It is a role that is “helping to improve the quality of life, health and well-being of my people,” says Dana.

The Queensland Training Awards shine a spotlight on excellence and innovation in vocational education, and it is easy to see how Dana won Vocational Student of the Year and Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year. She has seamlessly integrated her learned skills with the knowledge and experience she has garnered over the years and applied them in the area she is most passionate about.

“My family, friends and community have been very supportive and celebrated alongside me.  I have made my father the proudest.  The greatest gift I can give to my father is to carry on in my mother’s footsteps, be the voice that she was for our mob and continue to hold a leadership role in my community as a strong First Nations Woman.  I truly believe I can make a difference in many areas for my people.

“Thank you for the opportunity to share my story.”

Dana will represent North Coast at the state final on 9 September 2023 in Brisbane.

This year STEPS Group Australia is proud to celebrate one of our own VET Trainers, Tracey Wyer from STEPS Cairns, recently recognized as one of the top three regional finalists for this prestigious award.

Tracey Wyer is an LLND (Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital skills) Trainer for the SEE program at STEPS. Her students describe her as patient and empathetic with a light-hearted sense of humour, qualities that put them at ease and create a safe learning environment.

“This award means a great deal to me, as it was nominated by my students first and seconded by my manager. To feel appreciated and acknowledged in this way is very important and empowering! I was totally blown away when I received the news that I had got into the final three of 800 nominations! While I know I have a good work ethic and try to give 100% every day, it was still a surprise and quite humbling to get this far.”

Working with up to 25 students a day, Tracey assists them with interpersonal skills, resilience, accountability, and self-confidence as well as helping them hone their skills in job search, communication, and career planning.

“I love working as a SEE Trainer at STEPS because it is a warm, friendly, culturally rich environment, where everyone’s feelings matter, be they students or staff. We not only focus on improving educational and employability skills but offer a holistic approach to our students’ learning, considering their physical, emotional, social, and spiritual well-being.

Tracey’s students come from a range of cultural backgrounds and learning abilities requiring her teaching style to be flexible and adaptive.

“My learners are from Indigenous and or low socio-economic backgrounds, in the 40 to 60-year-old bracket, and are amongst the long-term unemployed. They are shy and can suffer with anxiety, particularly in social situations. To see them come together over class discussions, cooking projects, our class jumble sale and our own Wednesday Coffee Shop is enlightening and rewarding and motivates me to want to be a better teacher and person.”

Tracey’s greatest joy is hearing the success stories as students confidently attend job interviews and obtain their desired employment or pursue further study. In the past six months she has assisted over 30% of her students obtain sustainable employment. Many students return to SEE classes with Tracey week after week and enjoy learning essential skills under her guidance.

A key component of SEE is community connection, an area Tracey excels in facilitating through several successful initiatives that actively engage students with local employers and the larger community.

“Here at STEPS Cairns, we try to connect our students with Cairns’ employers and the community be it friendship or support networks or community engagement projects. This can be challenging as most of our students need to build their self-esteem and motivation, as well as overcome ongoing mental and physical disabilities.

Almost every week outside of our normal training, we offer a variety of training workshops, encourage volunteers at our market stand at the infamous Cairns Rusty’s markets and are always reaching out to industry leaders to offer Volunteerships for our students, which can lead to paid employment.

Our wish at STEPS is for more students to engage in what STEPS has to offer and for our community to become more aware of the needs and capabilities of this cohort.”

He began studying with STEPS Education and Training, his goal was to get qualified and start a new career.

“I’ve always had a yearning to work with people with a disability, I have a nineteen-year-old son with autism myself and it’s something I’ve wanted to do.”

Tony studied a Certificate III in Individual Support and found he not only had a knack for the work, but he was able to help others with their coursework.

“I spent a fair bit of time doing my online study at home, so I would come in the training room on Thursdays and Fridays and help other students,” Tony said.

“I’d sit down and help them, and staff noticed how I was able to help others in their learning.”

The support that he offered other students really stood out to staff at STEPS.

After Tony graduated and received his qualification, he was asked if we would like to join the team at STEPS.

Tony is now a Job Readiness Trainer with STEPS Work Mates and works with people with a disability as they build skills on their journey to finding employment.

Tony said his new role has been awesome and he has never experienced such a collaborative and supportive workplace.

“The best thing about working at STEPS is the teamwork, we all work together as a team and the staff are friendly,” Tony said.

While Tony has found the role he loves, he offers advice for others who are thinking about gaining a qualification and beginning a career in the care or disability industries.

“Definitely do it, it really opens up a lot of doorways.”

“I would highly recommend this course,” he said.

“I never anticipated that it would open this door for me, and I am so happy it did.”

The STEPS Manager Luke O’Hare said the decision to bring Tony into the STEPS team was easy.

“When Tony started studying as STEPS, we all realised pretty quickly that he was an exceptional student.

“He was always helping others and brought such a positive vibe to STEPS,” Luke said.

“With his skills, motivation and passion, I wanted to him to join the STEPS team because I knew he would be such an asset and really make a difference in the lives of our participants.”

If you are interested in studying a CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support, check your eligibility by contacting training@stepsgroup.com.au or call 1300 131 965. 

This training is proudly funded and supported by the Queensland Government through its Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative.

The students travel from the outskirts of Alice Springs, from a quiet property that stretches out for five hectares, for many years the property has been “a place of health, hope and healing” for Indigenous people.

The Central Australian Aboriginal Alcohol Programmes Unit (CAAAPU) is a residential treatment centre that offers counselling, treatment services and a safe place for people to heal on their journey of recovery.

STEPS Education and Training works with CAAAPU and delivers Skills for Education and Employment (SEE) to the residents.

Anne is a STEPS SEE Trainer and works with the men at CAAAPU, developing skills in language, literacy, numeracy and digital literacy.

She said she loves teaching and making a positive impact in the community.

“Some days are typical, and other days are not, for me this variation is a good thing.

“To start the day, I’ll make the students a cuppa while we talk about their needs and goals.

“I try to be flexible when teaching and like to add some fun and laughter to the classes,” she said

Anne has previously worked supporting international women who face significant barriers including education and said there should be no barrier to learning.

“Everyone has a right to education and a fresh start in life, regardless of the past.

“I am passionate about equality for all.

“That includes celebrating the diversity of cultural and religion and making sure that people from all social economic backgrounds get equal opportunities.”

Anne said her favourite part of her job is providing support for the men at CAAPPU as they build skills for their future.

“I am fortunate to have enjoyed teaching at different levels in various educational institutions.

“I am blessed to be in a position where I can provide training to students with a view of supporting them to have a better future,” she said.

Teaching is a two-way street for Anne, it’s not just about what she can teach but what she can learn.

“I enjoy communicating with students and imparting knowledge and hearing the students’ stories, they are a wealth of knowledge.”

If you would like to study SEE or learn more about the program, please training@stepsgroup.com.au or call 1300 131 965. 

More than three hours’ drive from Darwin, in the small community of Katherine, STEPS’ new Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Literacy Trainer Jasmine is loving her new role.

She said she had previously been a part of the STEPS team in 2017 and jumped at the opportunity to return.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to hop on board once again with STEPS and looking forward to supporting the Indigenous people out here in Katherine for their best possible future,” Jasmine said.

Can you tell me a little about yourself?

I’m mainly from Bangladesh and have been living in Australia for the past 10 years! I pursued my postgraduate degrees in Australia and since then made it my second home to help migrants and Indigenous people. My hobbies are listening to music and reading books (if I get time!). But my passions are dancing and educating. I love meeting new people as well.

What made you want to work with STEPS? What attracted you to the role?

I worked with STEPS back in mid-2017 but had to leave for personal reasons. I worked in community services afterwards. However, as one of my passions is teaching, I kept missing a part of myself! So, when I got the amazing opportunity of getting back to STEPS, I couldn’t let it go and have revived myself!

Describe your role with STEPS, what is a typical day?

My role with STEPS in the remote community requires a drive of 35km out of the Katherine town! So, my day starts with outback driving to the site, an amazing residential rehab. I conduct Pre-Training Assessments (PTAs) in the morning and teach the SEE Program in the afternoon. The site already has over 20 students and the number always keeps fluctuating ranging from 20-30 clients in the residential facility – it’s a busy place!

What is your favourite part of your job so far?

Undoubtedly, my favourite part of the job is teaching and helping students build skills for their future! But another favourite part of my job is having an amazing Manager who supports me and guides me to her best capabilities.

What is the most valuable thing you have learnt in your role?

Teaching is two-way learning. While I am teaching students, I’m learning about their culture and language.

What do you enjoy most about teaching?

When it comes to teaching, I love everything about it! But what I enjoy most is the implicit practice of patience, discipline, respect and teamwork in teaching. While delivering the sessions, it’s not only about the SEE Program! The students also have the opportunity to build skills in communication, time management, teamwork and collaboration, and in empath by, of course respecting, each other’s viewpoints

Want to study SEE or learn more about the program, please training@stepsgroup.com.au or call 1300 131 965. 

In her home country, Papua New Guinea, Lina worked in retail for many years.

When she moved to Darwin in 2017, she began searching for a job in the industry but had no luck.

“I have a lot of experience as a shop assistant and an assistant manager.

“I applied so many times, in Big W, Kmart and other places and nothing came back to me,” she said.

Not able to find the right job, Lina found work as a cleaner while she continued to look for other employment.

While she combed the internet for opportunities, she came across an online course in aged care.

The training was available through Skills for Education and Employment (SEE).

It was an 18-week course that studied a CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support with STEPS Education and Training College.

Lina said she immediately thought it was meant to be.

This was because she discovered she had a passion for working with seniors when she previously volunteered in a social support role.

She said she thought she would be well suited to work in aged care.

“I’d really like to get this job because it was my talent or gift.

“I’d really like to look after older people,” Lina said.

She said once she enrolled in the course, she put all her time and effort into studying.

“I quit my cleaning job and stayed home and was really concentrating on my course.”

Working diligently paid off because after Lina completed her work placement, she was offered a role in aged care.

Lina said she was very happy in her new job.

She said because of her training and the extra support she received from her trainer she was confident in her knowledge and skill.

Lina had had no experience with online learning before but said she was glad she made the decision to study remotely.

She said English is her second language and her trainer tailored the course for her when she needed additional support.

“I wouldn’t have completed my course and be where I am without Tanya.”

“She is a very open-hearted person,” Lina said.

Lina’s online trainer from STEPS, Tanya Mathews, was not surprised that Lina found employment so quickly.

“Lina was really committed to her study, right from the start.

“She wanted to work with vulnerable people in the community and gain secure employment to support herself and her family.

“Her commitment and attitude to her care role has created this success for herself and is why she was hired from her placement,” she said.

Tanya said being a part of Lina’s learning journey and seeing her growth and success was a highlight.

“Not only did I see progression in Lina with her study but what was really beautiful to see was that she advanced her skillset considerably in her language and literacy.

“Lina’s confidence level when she finished was outstanding, she knew her job and she knew what she was required to do,” Tanya said.

If you are interested in studying a CHC33015 Certificate III in Individual Support, check your eligibility by contacting training@stepsgroup.com.au or call 1300 131 965.

Can you tell me about yourself?

I am a semi-retired teacher in Alice Springs. I enjoy teaching students who need support. I have worked in Singapore and Australia. My hobbies are attending community events as a St. Johns Ambulance volunteer, gardening, and playing the piano.

What made you want to work with STEPS? What attracted you to the role?

I enjoy teaching and wanted a casual job. I had taught the English language before in Darwin with asylum seekers who were unaccompanied minors from Indonesia.

What is your favourite part of your job so far?

Running the English lessons and getting to develop a good relationship with each student. I like that the students come from many different countries.

What is the most valuable thing that you have learned in your role?

It is important to listen to what the students want and then tailor the lesson to meet these needs and also to meet the program goals.

What do you enjoy most about teaching?

Helping my students to succeed.

Want to learn English? Start your learning journey and further build your English language skills with STEPS AMEP. We have classes in Casuarina, Palmerston and Alice Springs. Call 1300 585 868 to find out more about classes in Casuarina and Palmerston and 08 8950 7600 for classes in Alice Springs. 

Three years ago, Rabia moved from Syria to Australia with her husband and children.

“I’m very happy with my choice to come to Australia because I found everything good for me and my family,” Rabia said.

When she arrived, she knew how important it was to learn English for her new life in Alice Springs.

She began studying at STEPS AMEP over two years ago and wants to share her experience.

What advice would you give someone who is new to Australia?
The most important advice I give to anyone who comes to Australia is that they must learn English before they can communicate with people easily, and they should understand that life in Australia depends on job.

What was your life like before you moved to Australia?
I lived in Syria. My life was very difficult before I moved to Australia because of the war in my country.

What did you know about Australia before coming here?
I knew about Australia before coming here. It’s a secular country and respects its citizens and provides them with a good life.

What have been your biggest challenges in Australia?
My first and biggest challenge is how to speak English.

Do you work? What do you like about your job?
I am a pharmacy assistant because helping people makes me happy and I like to communicate with a lot of different people.

Can you describe your experience with STEPS AMEP?
It’s very good how the teachers interest us.

What achievement are you most proud of?
Now, I can communicate with people because I can speak English fairly well.

What are your goals for the future?
Speak English fluently.

Want to learn Enliglsh? Start your learning journey and further build your English language skills with STEPS AMEP. We have classes in Casuarina, Palmerston and Alice Springs. Call 1300 585 868 to find out more about classes in Casuarina and Palmerston and 08 8950 7600 for classes in Alice Springs. 

The Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) is funded by the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs.

It wasn’t long ago that Awur first came to Australia with her two young children, joining her husband who has been living and working here for the past 15 years.

Born in South Sudan, starting a new life in a new country has meant big changes for Awur—but it was something that she wanted.

“I like Australia because many things have changed for me—my life is good.”

“I came from South Sudan.

“Life in South Sudan is terrible, hospital, food, everything is not good… people fighting.

“In Australia, everything is good, now I am very happy,” she said.

With her family together again, and making a new life in Alice Springs, Awur started taking English lessons at the STEPS Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP).

When she first came to class, she said, she didn’t speak any English and it was very hard.

“I like to talk to people, but it was problem when my speaking was not good.”

Awur’s husband had to do a lot of translating when she first arrived, but she said now he speaks English with her to help build her language skills.

Now that Awur is more confident with her English skills, she is focusing on achieving her career goals and has found a lot of support at STEPS AMEP.

“I want to work in childcare.

“I worked childcare in South Sudan for three years,” she said.

Awur recently gained a first aid certificate, STEP AMEP Manager Philip Allnutt supported her through the training and said it’s wonderful to see her work towards a career she is passionate about.

“She worked as a childcare worker in Bor in South Sudan and she’s just a natural in the area – she’ll be very good,” said Philip.

Awur has been studying at STEPS for two years, Philip said when he thinks about the difference from her first day to now it is astounding.

“When I first met Awur she was quiet and didn’t have the language skills to converse and now she’s confident, engaged, she’s able to be understood and be herself – she’s effervescent.

“That’s the power of language, it is more than just communication, it can build confidence, connections and opportunities,” he said.

Philip said at STEPS Awur is taking concrete steps to reaching her employment goals.

“She has attained her First Aid Certificate and is learning to write a resume and looking at gaining further qualifications.”

Want to learn Enliglsh? Start your learning journey and further build your English language skills with STEPS AMEP. We have classes in Casuarina, Palmerston and Alice Springs. Call 1300 585 868 to find out more about classes in Casuarina and Palmerston and 08 8950 7600 for classes in Alice Springs. 

The Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) is funded by the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs.

For the last 18 months, Carey has been volunteering at STEPS where she offers tutoring support to new Australians who are building English skills in the STEPS Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP).

STEPS Education and Training College delivers the AMEP 510 hours program, delivering 510 hours of free English lessons to new Australians to assist with living, working and studying in Australia.

Shining a light on the work volunteers do in our communities, International Volunteer Day is held each year on 5 December and is an opportunity celebrate their contribution, share their efforts and promote the vital service that volunteers provide.

This year, as part of International Volunteer Day 2020, Carey shares her volunteering story and shows how her contribution makes a difference to students at STEPS AMEP.

Carey’s passion for tutoring English was ignited last year when she travelled to Vietnam and completed a course on teaching English.

She said this experience encouraged her to seek out volunteer opportunities in the field and that’s when she found STEPS AMEP.

“I am always keen to give back through volunteering and my attraction to this role was to expand my experience, use my skills to hopefully help others, and to learn more myself,” she said.

An avid reader and passionate about social justice and animals, Carey said she has enjoyed the time she has spent with STEPS staff and students and has made a lot of great memories.

“I love seeing the passion the students have to learn English and improve their skills.

“Our conversations about learning and about their lives, cultures and families are the highlight – along with the laughs we share,” she said.

Carey said she has learnt so much in her role and hopes that she has contributed just as much as she has received in the experience.

STEPS Casuarina Manager Michael Crawley said it’s volunteers like Carey that add to the wonderful learning atmosphere and help students build confidence and skills in English.

“We have dedicated, friendly and passionate volunteers and it makes all the difference in our AMEP classrooms.

“Our students are able to find extra support from our volunteers and have the opportunity to spend more time practicing their speaking, reading, and writing skills in a one-on-one setting,” he said.

“Language connects us – the time and effort our volunteers put in to tutoring really does make a difference in the lives of our students.

“That’s why it is so important to celebrate and recognise the volunteers that turn up day after day, that show a passion and compassion – especially on International Volunteer Day,” he said.

Want to start your learning journey and further build your English language skills, STEPS AMEP can help. We have classes in Casuarina, Palmerston and Alice Springs. Call 1300 585 868 to find out more about classes in Casuarina and Palmerston and 08 8950 7600 for classes in Alice Springs.

For 19-year-old Andrew Larracy, 2020’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities will mark six months of living out of home.

It will also be the first year of celebrating this annual observance with a learner licence in his wallet.

Promoting inclusivity, awareness and understanding, International Day of Persons with Disabilities is celebrated worldwide on December 3.

It is an annual celebration of people with disability, a time to recognise their achievements and their contributions.

Reflecting on his year, Andrew said receiving his learner licence has been the highlight and he cannot wait to get behind the wheel.

“I hope I can start practicing soon,” he said

Andrew said staff at STEPS Pathways College and his roommate helped him study and learn road rules as he worked his way through the PrepL online learning module.

Andrew is boarding at STEPS Pathways College and building life skills in an intensive course that offers young people with a disability a pathway to independence.

Living in a two-bedroom unit with his roommate, Andrew said he likes the freedom of living on campus and building skills for independence.

“I wanted a new experience and something I hadn’t done before.

“I’m learning new things and being independent is the big goal,” he said.

STEPS Pathways College Training Manager Jason Keen said learning to drive has been a goal that Andrew set for himself when he enrolled as a boarding student at the college.

“With the uncertainty that 2020 has brought it’s great that Andrew remained focused on his goals and worked to make them happen.”

“He should be proud of what he has achieved this year and I’m sure he has set his sights on his next goal –preparing to get behind the wheel,” he said.

Jason said the journey to independence is different for everyone and on International Day of People with Disabilities students at STEPS Pathways College will use this day to celebrate what they have achieved so far.

“We will be celebrating what our students can do, what they have achieved and what they want to achieve in the future.”

Joining STEPS in February of this year, Karen has been working in the role of Day Program Manager of STEPS Pathways College.

Karen has worked in the Vocational Education and Training sector (VET) for over 20 years and has designed and implemented training programs across a range of sectors to help meet the needs of students.

“I am passionate about training, mentoring, and encouraging people to realise their potential and the choices they have,” she said.

“Seeing students succeed when they never thought they could, that is my why, that is what keeps me going.

Karen said every day she is inspired by both her students and co-workers.

“Working at STEPS means I get to lead a wonderful team of trainers who are passionate about helping students to realise their potential as individuals.

“With guidance from our trainers, students are continuing to develop their knowledge and skills and overcoming challenges.”

Karen coordinates training in multiple forms at the college, including in-person learning in the Day Program and virtual learning in the Online Learning Program.

“We have students from all over Australia; Victoria, Tasmania, Northern Territory, Queensland and locally, and we have been astounded at how well students have transitioned to online learning and using Zoom.”

Karen said the Online Learning Program has both theory and practical components where students can put the things they have learnt into practice in their own environment.

“With the mobility of technology, students are able to move around with their laptop or iPad in their living spaces and demonstrate their skills via video conferencing.

“Some of our students are cooking for their families, cleaning their bathrooms, and planning meals for the first time ever, and this is a result of participating in our program.”

Karen said she is proud of the results she has seen so far in the college program.

“Our students are increasing their technology skills, developing their social skills, and supporting each other to try new things,” she said.

STEPS Pathways College provides a range of training programs that help young people with disability and autism further develop skills for independent living. For enrolment information in the Boarding, Day, or Online Learning program, please call 07 5458 3000 or email pathways@stepsgroup.com.au

Twelve women from the sewing group at STEPS Education and Training Palmerston volunteered their time and sewing skills to make 300 nifty bags and they are thrilled with how their handiwork will benefit local people.

The swimmers, aged between 18 months and 12 years, participate in the Asthma Foundation Northern Territory’s Asthma Swim Program, a long-running program that provides children with the opportunity to engage in regular exercise while parents receive support with asthma management from a qualified asthma educator.

This crafty project is the result of community collaboration between the STEPS Palmerston Sewing Group, the Asthma Foundation Northern Territory (AFNT) and the Palmerston Lions Club.

AFNT Executive Manager Leanne Elliott-Holmes said they had been looking to have bags made for their clients because safely storing and carrying a spacer is important.

“We received a donation from the Palmerston Lions Club to have spacer bags made up for our Asthma Swim children but also for other people with asthma in the community,” she said.

“A spacer is a plastic cylinder device to put on puffers and it allows people to get the medication a lot easier, so people who have asthma and use a puffer should be using a spacer as well,” Ms Elliot-Holmes said.

“They can’t be kept in plastic because it creates static and reduces its effectiveness.”

Ms Elliot-Holmes said the collaboration became a really good community project to focus on, particularly in the changing times of COVID-19.

Ms Elliot-Holmes said she was impressed with the beautiful bags the sewing group made and was astounded at how many bags they ended up making.

“STEPS kept us updated and we received photos of the ladies making them and it was really lovely.

“It’s definitely a fantastic community program,” she said.

Ms Elliott-Homes said they have had a lot of interest on Facebook and expects they will be very popular.

STEPS Palmerston Business Manager Yvonne Coleman said it was wonderful that the sewing group and their skills were being recognised in the Darwin community.

“It’s great that we can collaborate with other organisations and widen our impact on the community and make a difference in people’s lives.”

Ms Coleman said people have started to reach out and seek the assistance of the sewing group.

“Our sewing group has also sewed mittens and pouches for animals affected by bushfires at Koalas In Care.”

Ms Coleman said the sewing group started out as a social group where people could learn and build skills.

“Over the years, with the hard work of our sewing instructor Kerri Roberts, the group developed and is now very community focused.

“The group is always looking for ways to use their skills and gives back to the community.”

The crafty sewing group at STEPS Education and Training in Palmerston,  Darwin meet every Wednesday and include members from the Skills for Education and Employment and the Adult Migrant English Program. For more information, call 1300 585 868.

A first of its kind in Australia, STEPS Pathways College is located in Caloundra on the Sunshine Coast. The program, which has funding options through the NDIS, provides a safe and supportive environment where young people with a disability are taught practical skills through a hands-on approach, helping them learn to live independently.

Since opening in 2017, the College has seen considerable progression and is expanding to accommodate the needs of the growing College.

STEPS Pathways Manager DJ McGlynn said their flexible learning options are a “big drawcard” for many young people with a disability, together with their families, who traditionally never had this choice before.

“Students can either reside on campus in purpose-built homes, getting a firsthand taste of independent living, or attend as day students, or learn online” DJ said.

Boarding students are accommodated on campus in a modern, fully furnished apartment complex known as Murphy House.  Students who choose the day program remain living in the comfortable environment of home but visit the College and enjoy flexible learning options from Monday to Friday between 9am to 3pm.

Regardless of whether students board or attend the day program or learn online, STEPS Pathways College offers an innovative, holistic learning model which teaches skills in communication, healthy living, employment, residential living, recreation and technology. Students also develop skills required to cope with change, develop relationships and form lifelong friendships.

“The NDIS helps people get the support they need so their skills and independence improve over time, which aligns with our goal at STEPS Pathways College to bring students in, help them build their capacity and confidence and then transition them into being more independent,” DJ said.

“The end game is for them to become genuine contributors out in their community.”

“Anyone who wants to know more is welcome to book an appointment to come see the campus and the facilities, see the program in action and have their questions answered.”

STEPS Pathways College is now taking enrolment enquiries. To find out more about the program contact STEPS Pathways College on (07) 5458 3000 or visit the website.

Ariana, who has Down Syndrome, said she was both ready and excited to move into a new apartment on the Sunshine Coast with her friend after spending the past two years learning the skills to live independently at STEPS Pathways College.

Caloundra’s STEPS Pathways College teaches young adults living with disability and autism the skills they need to live an independent lifestyle in an immersive boarding college that combines classroom learning with hands-on applications.

“I feel really happy that I have been able to learn all the things that help me live and work independently in the community,” Ariana said.

“I go to work at the RSL, and do volunteer work at my local nursery, go to dancing on Tuesdays and pottery classes on Fridays, and I get to live in my own place with my friend.

“And in the future, I want to travel to Egypt to see the pyramids, do some study and continue with my pottery making and maybe get some more hours at work.”

Ariana’s mother Anne Nioa said surprisingly she didn’t have any concerns about enrolling her daughter into a boarding college a few hours away from home.

“Ari’s achievements since starting at the college may be too numerous to mention, but her ability to now travel intercity by public transport is amazing to me,” Anne said.

“Now, our life now is far less hurried and stressful – she enjoys her own freedom and work life and I am now able to do the same.

“I would encourage any parent to become part of the ‘Pathways Club,’ visit the college, speak with the staff and other parents that have entrusted this very important learning stage of their young person’s transition to independence.

“I certainly believe that anyone who sees firsthand what happens at the college would want to be a part of this very special group,” Anne said.

Pathways College training manager Jason Keen says Ari’s continuing to grow in her independence and her journey has not stopped since graduating college.

“At college I witnessed Ari grow in many ways, most importantly I witnessed Ari become more confident and less dependent on others to make her decisions,” Jason said.

“The Pathways program is perfect for young women who would like to move out of home and become more independent in their life but need some extra support and that steppingstone to get going.”

Pathways College is expanding and now taking enrolments and is best suited to students living with autism and intellectual disabilities, call (07) 5458 3000 to find out more.                                     

Caption: Three generations celebrating Ariana’s achievements in her new apartment. L-R:  Barbara Nioa, Ariana Nioa, Anne Nioa and Glenys Robinson.

For the last eight months, Yan has been studying at STEPS Education and Training at Casuarina. When she first began studying at STEPS, she was nervous and a little unsure but by working hard and finding support from her teachers, she is now confident in her skills and looking for new challenges. With her study success and new goals set, Yan shares her journey so far.

Where did you live before coming to Australia?
I lived in Northeast China, Liaoning Province, city of Shenyang with a population of ten million people.

What was your life like before you moved to Australia?
I have been lucky with my life. I have been able to travel overseas to see the world. My first job in China was working at a post office bank. I have owned a business with my ex-husband. My last job in China was working with an agent to help people looking for aged care, childcare and home services.

What did you know about Australia before coming here?
I did not know much at all, but I knew Australia is a country that is green and has forests, blue skies and clean beaches. Australia is a country that Chinese students prefer to come to study.

What is your favourite part about living here?
My husband told me that ladies here are free and have rights. He is looking after me very well. I enjoy cycling with my husband around beach and bush. I enjoy being surrounded by green and I enjoy learning at STEPS. I am very happy, and I feel safe here in Australia.

What have been your biggest challenges in Australia?
Language and to drive on the other side of the road.

Who are you happy to have met in Australia? Why?
I am very glad to have met Sophie, from STEPS, at Rapid Creek market when I was shopping with my husband (after only being here a short time). It has changed my life. Through Sophie I have met teachers at STEPS. They have encouraged me to learn when I felt scared and wanted to give up, for that I thank them.

Can you describe your experience with STEPS AMEP?
I was studying English at a school in China. I can read and speak but it was limited. The first time I attended a class at STEPS I felt scared and lost, but teachers are very patient and keen to teach. I have been learning about English, history, culture and policies as well. I really enjoy learning at STEPS. During COVID- 19, STEPS did very well and as students we continued to learn online on Zoom. It was awesome!

What achievement are you most proud of?
The first day I joined STEPS for learning, I doubted that I could pass the assessment. It is so hard! But I am so proud of myself – to hold on and study without giving up. With the teachers’ help I have progressed.

What are your goals for the future?
I will still continue with my English. I am planning to study aged care, that will be my next step, to help older people.

What advice would you give someone who is new to Australia? What should they expect?
Be positive about your future and learn more English. That will help you understand more about Australia. NEVER GIVE UP!
They should expect Australia is a country where you have freedom of speech. A country with equality of human rights and respect. Don’t be afraid to ask people here for help and obey the law.

If you would like to further build your English language skills, STEPS AMEP can help. We have classes in Casuarina, Palmerston and Alice Springs. Call 1300 585 868 to find out more about classes in Casuarina and Palmerston and 08 8950 7600 for classes in Alice Springs.

What was your life like before you moved to Australia?

I am from the Philippines and I’m the third child of Mr and Mrs Santos. I have three sisters and a younger brother. My father was a farmer and a driver. Farming is the main industry where I grew up. We used to have a rice farm, but because my siblings and I were all going to school my parents had to sell our farm for us to continue our studies. Now that we are all grown up; I am very proud that my parents let us finish our studies up to college.

Why did you move to Australia?

After I got married to my Australian husband in November 2014, I flew to Australia through a tourist visa for 3 months and went back to the Philippines for 2 months. The next year I came back with a 6- month tourist visa and then we decided to apply for a partner visa before my visa expired.

Did you have any challenges after moving to Alice Springs?

I can still remember how sad I was for those 6 months because I couldn’t work and had no friends. Feeling homesick is the major struggle of many when they’re migrating to other countries, including me. Living in a new environment with no friends to talk to (except my husband) and not being able to communicate properly because of the language barrier was really hard.

But those days are over now, I am loving my new home now. My husband really helped me to meet new friends here. Now, I have lots of friends to talk to and feel very comfortable in speaking and using the language. Also, I have a driver’s license now, so that gives me more independence.

How did you overcome your challenges with isolation?

During my tourist visa I did volunteer work at the Salvation Army Thrift Shop. I did it because I wanted to enhance my communication skills and be more confident in speaking the language. Also, I wanted to meet other Filipino people and widen my social group.

When I got my bridging visa, which allowed me to work, I was fortunate enough to get a job at St. Philips College as a cleaner. While working at St. Philips, I also worked in an after-school care program and my employer was Camp Australia.

Can you describe your experience with STEPS AMEP?

I am really glad that I made the right decision to attend English language class with STEPS AMEP. At first, I was attending with my three friends but due to their circumstances, they are no longer attending class. That didn’t stop me continuing my study here.

Here, I have met the people who have been helping me with my studies and helped me to bring back my confidence. I am truly thankful that my lecturer, Jennifer Lopes, has helped me to achieve what I wanted to achieve. She’s not only a lecturer but also a mentor for all of us in the evening class. We are very blessed to get full support from the people at STEPS AMEP. I would like to say thank you to Jennifer, Lisa (our tutors) and Philip (the manager) for all their help.

What achievement are you most proud of since moving to Australia?

The start of this year has been very good to me. I got the job that I’ve been wanting, and I thought I would never achieve this because I was lacking confidence. Through the encouragement and help of Jennifer I was convinced to submit an application. When they interviewed me in November last year, it was an amazing experience and less than 30 minutes after the interview I got the job. Now, I am enjoying my new job. Although I am still getting used to how things work but the people there are very helpful to me. I can say that I am in the right working place, the community are very welcoming, supportive and very pleasant to work with.

What’s next for you?

Right now, I am working to get my qualification to be assessed by the Skills Recognition Centre – hopefully I will get that. Also, I plan to study towards a Certificate IV in Education Support.

If you would like to further build your English language skills, STEPS AMEP can help. We have classes in Alice Springs, Palmerston and Casuarina. Call 1300 585 868 to find out more about STEPS AMEP classes.

The college which teaches young Australians with a disability the skills to live independently, is expanding to accommodate their growing needs and enrolment demands.

And thanks to a combination of grants, ongoing partnerships and generous community support, they are building two new boarding college units and have just secured an additional transport vehicle for the students.

STEPS Pathways manager DJ McGlynn said community access is an integral part of the Pathways’ program as it enables the students to develop social skills, increase their confidence to access the community and experience activities in their areas of interest.

“With the growing number of students accessing the Pathways program, this bus will enable several groups to access the community at once and to provide a variety of options,” Mr McGlynn said.

“We advocate for building the skills and capacity of our students to be more social and community minded, and to experience activities of their individual interest through excursions.

“We want them to develop strong and sustainable relationships with their community, to empower the students in the decision-making process, when accessing community activities.

“We offer the opportunity to the students to contribute to the development of socially inclusive communities so when they are ready to graduate college, they are confident to continue as an active member of their local community,” Mr McGlynn said.

Pathways training manager Jason Keen said the college has grown so much they no longer can fit on a single 12 seater bus.

“It’s extremely important for our students to stay connected and participate in enjoyable activities for their health and wellbeing,” Mr Keen said.

“Whether it’s a group beach trip or a big excursion to Brisbane, we also use the bus for practical activities like buying mops at Bunnings or assisting new students with their grocery shopping.”

STEPS managing director Carmel Crouch said they’re incredibly grateful to receive the funding and purchase this extremely valuable vehicle that plays such a vital role in the running of the college.

“As our college is growing rapidly, so are our needs to equip our students with everything they need to be fully connected, to actively participate in excursions and off campus activities,” Ms Crouch said.

“This transport vehicle will enable STEPS Pathways College students to get out and about and further, building their confidence as independent young adults.”

STEPS Pathways College is experiencing an exciting new phase of growth as the college continues to evolve and expand with the success of their first two cohorts – now graduated and living independently in the community, and a new cohort of students that now have the opportunity to develop the skills required for their own life of independence.

The Sunshine Coast boarding college, Murphy House, is a modern campus with students studying and residing on campus, with extensive outdoor and recreational zones.

STEPS Pathways College is changing lives for families living with disability and are taking enrolments.

The expansion will allow even more boarding students to reside in modern, fully fitted and contained units designed to replicate an independent living environment, alongside the day student program, while learning via the holistic, innovative teaching model that is STEPS Pathways College.

STEPS Charity is committed to making a difference by raising vital funds to expand the college. For more information on partnering with STEPS Charity or to enrol as a student at Pathways College contact 07 5458 3000.

He had a friend who told him to come here because it was a good country. 

Mr Belal arrived in Australia as a refugee in 2013, he didn’t speak English, but he wanted to make a new life for himself in Australia. 

Born in Sudan, Mr Belal left school when he was 9 years old.  

Before he left his home, he was a truck driver and delivered food and gas to the Sudanese people for 15 years.  

Conflict and civil unrest in Sudan made everyday living volatile for citizens, sometimes they were unable to access basics like food.  

Mr Belal witnessed violence frequently and said there was “every day, fighting’ in his home country, “I had to leave”.  

Mr Belal left Sudan because it became too dangerous for him to stay.  

According to 2019 figures from the United Nations Refugee Agency, each day about 37,000 people are forced to flee their homes due to conflict and persecution worldwide.  

Mr Belal’s journey to Australia was long, from Sudan to Yemen to Indonesia, then finally Australia. 

This year, World Refugee Day is 20 June, a day where people around the globe can come together and recognize the strength, courage and perseverance of refugees everywhere. 

Mr Belal said he is happy to be in Australia because it’s safe and has a good government. 

Finding Sydney and Brisbane too busy, Mr Belal eventually settled in Darwin because he preferred the easy pace and lifestyle.  

“I like Darwin because it is quiet and there are nice people here.”  

For a time, he worked as a truck driver, but he could not continue because the paperwork side of the job was a challenge.  

Mr Belal has not let the language barrier deter him from doing something he knows and enjoys.  

Instead, he committed himself to building his language skills so he can get back to the work he loves.  

For the last seven months Mr Belal has been taking English classes in the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) at STEPS Education and Training in Palmerston. 

While he dedicated his time to learning, he built a life in Australia he enjoys; he plays soccer with a team in Casuarina, works at a local Woolworths, and has made many new friends at STEPS AMEP. 

He said he likes coming to STEPS to practice his English skills. 

“When I’ve fixed my English, I will be very, very happy”. 

He said he really likes his teachers and enjoys sharing his passions with them. 

“I like to chat to my teacher Mr Rosco about soccer; he is a very good man.” 

STEPS Palmerston Business Manager Yvonne Coleman said she noticed right away how motivated and hardworking Mr Belal was. 

“Every available moment that he’s not working, Mohammad comes to class here. 

“He’s very focused on improving his language so he can work towards what he wants to do which is to drive trucks,” she said. 

Ms Coleman said his English skills are improving and he continues to push himself. 

“He wants to feel more confident with his speaking, reading and writing skills.” 

Ms Coleman said staff and students love having him at STEPS. 

“Mohammad’s such an important part of our community here.  

“He contributes, he works and studies, he plays soccer, and he brings great joy to people’s life. 

“We are very lucky to have him,” she said. 

Ms Coleman said sometimes people don’t fully realise the hardship that people who come to Australia as refugees have faced and the difficulties they continue to experience. 

“It’s lovely to share a story like Mohammad’s because then people can stop and think about what people in other countries go through and how their lives change when they move to Australia. 

”At STEPS Education and Training it’s so important for refugees to have the opportunity to come and live safely and contribute – to work and study, and have the chance to build a life here,” she said. 

Refugee Week 2020 is celebrated across Australia from June 14 – 20 June, this year’s theme is Celebrating the Year of Welcome. This week of celebration coincides with World Refugee Day on 20 June 2020.  

STEPS AMEP can help you build your English skills. Join our day or night classes in Palmerston or Casuarina. For more information call 1300 585 868.

Kerri Roberts shared this story when asked to recall a memorable moment in her volunteer role as a sewing instructor.

It reinforced the idea that what she does makes a difference in people’s lives.

Changing communities. Changing lives. That’s the theme of this year’s National Volunteer Week. From May 18 – 24 this annual celebration recognises the hard work and commitment of millions of volunteers across Australia.

This simple story highlights how a volunteer can change lives and how important volunteers are to the community.

For Ms Roberts, who had been sewing for over 40 years, she was struck by how sharing her skill could be so meaningful to someone.

Every Wednesday for the last two and a half years, Ms Roberts has volunteered her time as a sewing instructor at STEPS Education and Training in Palmerston.

The sewing group is made up of students who are studying English or gaining education and employment skills, and features anywhere from 6 and 12 women who come to sew, with many having migrated from countries all around the world.

Most who join the group have never sewn before and when Ms Roberts first introduces the new member to the sewing machine, she likens the sewing pedal to the accelerator of a car – “the softer you press the slower the speed”.

Ms Roberts said one of the most enjoyable parts of volunteering is watching the women gain confidence in their skills.

“I love sewing and I love the idea of teaching others, it’s terrific to watch them develop their sewing skills over time,” Ms Roberts said.

“I really enjoy what I do and I enjoy the company of these women,” she said.

Ms Roberts said she has learnt a lot from the women in the sewing group.

“I enjoy learning about different cultures, it’s really interesting and some women are even teaching me words in their language,” said Ms Roberts.

While volunteering her time has taught many women a new skill, teaching sewing skills to others has helped Ms Roberts.

She said she was hesitant at first about volunteering because she was nervous about taking on a teaching role.

“When I first started I was a bit unsure of myself,” she said.

But as time went on, she grew into the role and the sewing group started to take on new roles in the community too.

Word got out locally about the group and they have been approached by a few not-for-profit businesses that were in need of their skills.

Earlier this year, Koalas In Care Inc. asked them to sew mittens and bags for injured koalas and the group has just finished sewing 300 bags for kids who swim with the Asthma Foundation Northern Territory.

While the sewing group looks for its next sewing project that will benefit the community, Ms Roberts said the group has been a benefit to her.

Ms Roberts experiences depression and anxiety and said volunteering helps with managing it.

“Having the sewing group there pushes me, its motivates me because I know the women love sewing and I don’t want to let them down,” said Ms Roberts.

Changing communities. Changing lives. Ms Roberts will continue to make her impact every Wednesday at STEPS Education and Training. National Volunteer Week is May 18- 24.

The class is made up of STEPS students completing education and training programs such as the Adult Migrant English Program and the Skills for Education & Employment program. For more information about STEPS Palmerston and the courses on offer contact 1300 585 868.

As the world adapts to changes due to coronavirus, the STEPS Pathways College Day Program is moving to an online, interactive teaching mode to keep their students connected and engaged.

The program is modelled on the current STEPS Pathways College curriculum. A modern facility dedicated to providing education and training for young people with a disability to reach their goals of living independently.

STEPS Pathways manager DJ McGlynn said the new online offering is for everyone, especially those in regional and remote areas across Australia.

“We are using this challenging time as a time to innovate and expand our reach, we want all young people to feel like they’re connected and learning at the same time, so they continue to reach for their goals,” he said.

“All students need is an internet connection, and a device and it’s like they’re right here on campus.

“We know that our students love their routine of coming to class, and connecting with their classmates, we want to provide a continuity of service as much as we can.

“We want to be the pioneers in this space, the course picks up on the current nine module core curriculum and extends it to include socialising and communicating in a changing environment,” he said.

The program will be interactive and include a combination of online classwork, group discussions and project based activities to enhance the participants’ learning.

STEPS is opening up opportunities for external participants to engage with the service to inhibit the chances of regression or social isolation.

The application process is simple, students can choose the subjects they’d like to study and pay only for those either via their NDIS plans, or fee for service. Classes are starting next week via the Zoom platform, and STEPS will run three sessions a day Monday to Friday.

Class sizes will be delivered at a level where all participants will have the opportunity of contributing and progressing at a similar pace.

For more information, please call (07) 5458 3000 or email pathways@stepsgroup.com.au

International Women’s Day (officially on March 8) provides an important opportunity to celebrate women’s achievements while calling for greater gender equality.

The event was a huge success with more 140 attendees. It featured insightful presentations from guest speakers, NT Anti-Discrimination Commissioner, Sally Sievers and Northern Territory AIDS and Hepatitis Council Inc (NTAHC) executive director Genevieve Dally around opportunities and supports available to Northern Territory women, with a focus on services for vulnerable communities.

Dance performances, sewing displays and a lunch of multi-cultural dishes from the countries of origins from STEPS’ students followed to further celebrate diversity

STEPS’ International Women’s Day event initiative is also about having fun, connecting women through social activities to form bonds and friendships.

STEPS Palmerston business manager Yvonne Coleman said their work focusses on capacity building, social connection and engagement, through education and training programs such as the Adult Migrant English Program and the Skills for Education & Employment program.

“Our students are very excited about today, they have been busy practising their dance routines and are having a great time at the same time,” Yvonne said.

“Working together with such wonderful organisations for a collective celebration is a real coup, we are honoured to have the City of Palmerston mayor Athina Pascoe-Bell, NT anti-discrimination Commissioner, Sally Sievers, as well as representatives from the Melaleuca Refugee Centre, Centrelink Multicultural Service, NTAHC and employment service providers all coming to join us.

“Many women can feel quite isolated when they first arrive to Australia, by building social connections with other women through community activities, it helps them to settle better and happier into their new lives in Australia.

“Through these connections not only do the women excel, but their families also have the opportunity to benefit, as does the whole community.”

Yvonne believes the event is a great way to connect the work of STEPS to the mission of International Women’s Day – celebrating social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.

“We are showcasing some sewing work the students have done, which is upskilling women for potential employment opportunities in the future, and very importantly they are becoming engaged in social activities,” she said.

“There’s speeches to highlight and celebrate the achievements of women as well as fabulous dancing, lunch, sewing displays and lots of fun.”

The event was a huge success thanks to the collaborative efforts of many community organisations including Genevieve Dally and event MC Maria Scarlett from the NTAHC.

For more information about STEPS Palmerston and the courses on offer contact 1300 585 868

STEPS will deliver this exciting new pilot over 18 months as three six-month intakes, starting in February on the Sunshine Coast in the aged care, home care and disability sectors.

The industry pilot will combine elements of Youth Jobs PaTH employment services that help young people learn the skills that employers need and gives them a chance to demonstrate those skills in the workplace.

It also provides comprehensive support that will enable each participant to identify & develop strategies to overcome barriers to successful study, gaining & retaining employment, managing personal relationships & responsibilities, communication skills & self-management.

STEPS Education & Training executive manager Joel Stevens said they have a great reputation with local aged, disability, home and community care providers because they are skilling the Sunshine Coast workforce in a way that meets consumer and industry demands.

“We’re excited and honoured to be able to offer this new opportunity to 60 young people from the Sunshine Coast, our first intake starts soon with 20 places on offer to start late February,” Mr Stevens said.

“The positive contribution and energy young people can bring to the aged care industry is enormous, they also have the opportunity to get qualified and placed into a sector that is growing and offers sustainable career pathways.

“We’re not just in the business of getting our students to graduation, we’re in the business of getting our students jobs and that requires listening to the needs of our local employers and this program offers workplaces great financial incentives to hire our outstanding job ready candidates.”

Various support measures will be available for participants, including tailored and flexible training opportunities, industry-specific fully supported work placement, internships, mentoring and wrap around supports for participants and more.

The Pilot is offered at no cost to participants, giving them access to qualifications that meet the minimum entry-level requirements in the aged care & disability sectors.

It also supports businesses to trial young people in the workplace and offers a financial incentive when they hire.

Youth Jobs PaTH is an Australian Government employment service that helps young people gain the skills and work placement they need to get and keep a job.

Federal Member for Fisher Andrew Wallace said that the pilot, one of nine selected for funding around the country, would help local young people find work in the fastest-growing industries on the Sunshine Coast.

“STEPS are already national leaders in providing disability services, and in helping people to overcome some of the most serious barriers a person can face in getting into work,” he said.

For more information about the course, contact STEPS Education & Training at (07) 5458 3000 or email enquiries@stepsgroup.com.au

Funding has been provided by the Australian Government Department of Department of Education, Skills and Employment through the Youth Jobs PaTH Industry Pilot initiative.

We’ve had a very busy winter and with the new spring arriving, we have new classes, new courses and new connections forming across our wide AMEP family. It’s a very exciting time of year.

We’re so proud of all our students and we relish in the wonderful melting pot that is our classrooms, that brings together our students’ stories and rich cultures.

Our aim is not only to provide quality education and training to our students to enhance and improve their life here in Australia through language skills, but also to provide a place of support, to build community and friendships.

Catch up on our news, see our photos and get all the AMEP updates!

On December 18, STEPS recognises International Migrants Day, a day established by the United Nations to acknowledge the positive contributions which can be made through international migration.

International Migrants Day also emphasizes respect for the fundamental rights and freedoms of all migrants, and the importance of strengthening international cooperation.

Settling into a completely new country can be a challenge for anyone, but it is particularly daunting for someone who has recently migrated and is new to the Australian culture, language and workforce.

With this understanding, STEPS Education and Training offers a helping hand for those who need that extra help gaining language and job skills necessary to secure and settle into work in Australia.

STEPS Education and Training supports migrants to Australia through its Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) which offers free English language lessons to eligible migrants and humanitarian entrants in Casuarina, Palmerston and Alice Springs.

STEPS’ Darwin campuses also provide opportunities for a smoother transition into employment in Australia through Ready for Work (Settlement Language Pathway to Employment and Training), a sub-program of AMEP.

STEPS Education and Training Executive Manager Joel Stevens says their aim is not only to provide quality education and training to students to enhance their life in Australia through language skills, but also to provide a “place of support, to build community and friendships.”

“Learning through our AMEP and Ready for Work programs is fun as well as meaningful for students, taking place in a friendly environment where students feel supported,” Joel says.

“We relish in the wonderful melting pot that is our classrooms, that brings together our students’ stories and rich cultures.”

STEPS’ AMEP classes teach English language skills directed towards helping migrants settle successfully in Australia alongside people with similar backgrounds, experiences and goals. The classes present Australian values, cultures and laws and a range of topics that will make it easier for new arrivals to work, study and enjoy life in Australia. Topics include life skills, culture, loss of family or friends, health and safety, managing money and banking, public transport and driving, the childcare and education system, the medical system and services and the law and legal systems.

Class times are flexible to fit in with family, work, or other study commitments. Students have the option of attending classes during the day or night, on the days and times that suit them best.

For more information on STEPS’ free English lessons for migrants, call 08 8950 7600 (Alice Springs) or 1300 585 868 (Casuarina & Palmerston) or visit www.stepsamep.com.au.

“Migration is a powerful driver of economic growth, dynamism and understanding. It allows millions of people to seek new opportunities, benefiting communities of origin and destination alike.” — UN Secretary-General António Guterres.

Join us for our STEPS Pathways Open Day and see first-hand the many wonderful opportunities we offer.

This is the perfect chance for anyone who wants to know more about STEPS Pathways College to come and speak to current students and staff, tour Murphy House and the facilities, see the program in action and have your questions answered. Get the information you need to prepare for College life as a boarding or day student.

• Enjoy a cuppa at the onsite Café and a BBQ prepared by current STEPS Pathways College students
• Speak to representatives from STEPS Education and Training, STEPS Community Services, STEPS Employment Solutions and STEPS Autism Treehouse.
• Take advantage of a discount on the day at STEPS Nursery selling quality plants and gardening supplies.

Plenty of parking available behind STEPS Pathways College on Ulm Street, Caloundra.

Discover new opportunities at STEPS. See you there!

When: Tuesday 3 December 2019, 10am – 4pm

Where: STEPS Pathways College, 9 George Street, Caloundra QLD

For more information and to RSVP call 5458 3000 or visit stepspathways.com.au

The free workshops for the Adult Migrant English Program students, held recently at the Red Cross Casuarina hub, include sewing classes, upcycling, hair and make-up tutorials, jewellery and accessory making as well as social morning teas.

Red Cross Senior Officer Sabeeha Nihad says the initiative is also about having fun, connecting migrant women through social activities to form bonds and friendships.

“Our work with refugee, asylum seeker and migrant women in Northern Territory is a highlight and close to our heart, where our focus is on connecting these women with the wider Australian community,” Sabeeha said.

“Our Migration Support Programs have been working with refugees, asylum seekers and migrants for more than 25 years.

“Red Cross is working closely with STEPS on capacity building, social connection and engagement of refugee communities,” Sabeeha said.

STEPS AMEP student Nathalie Nkongolo says the workshops are a great idea that give her a sense of involvement in her local community.

“I am really enjoying the workshops as they help me learn and I am hopefully looking at owning my own sewing business,” said Nathalie.

To date, Red Cross Australia have had around 150 participants from various communities in the Darwin area.

The products that come out of these workshop will be showcased and sold at the ‘Joy of Many Colours’ fundraising fashion show event at the Charles Darwin University Theatre.

Red Cross Australia believe that these activities encourage the women to expand their knowledge, grow their capabilities, and increase their confidence and self-worth.

The women play an integral part in a productive and contributing Australian community.

Through these connections not only do the women excel, but their families also have the opportunity to benefit, as does the whole Darwin community.

STEPS Education & Training run a range of courses for the community and believe in the importance of community collaborations.

For more information about our collaborative workshops contact STEPS Casuarina on 08 8925 5600.

Moira, from STEPS Education and Training, said Fabien Rwigema endured living conditions we “could not even fathom” before coming to Australia.

Born in Congo and the oldest of nine siblings, Fabien was forced to leave his home at a young age and live in a refugee camp in Rwanda for an incredible 22 years. “He always felt education was his key to a better life so he was determined to continue schooling despite the enormous obstacles,” Moira said.

These “enormous obstacles” included walking 20 hours to school while carrying enough food and water for his week of schooling, and then walking back to the camp at the end of every week. Somehow, Fabien persevered with this 40 hour round trip every week for several years until he eventually graduated from high school.

Arriving in Cairns earlier this year, Fabien said he felt “exuberant and surprised, but also frightened” to communicate with Australians. Since joining STEPS’ Skills for Education and Employment (SEE) program, Fabien’s English language skills have grown along with his confidence, both of which helped him stay on track to complete his studies and graduate.

“I feel good,” he said, speaking of his achievement. “It’s my first certificate and I feel proud. The big challenge for me was English language in general, and the English in the certificate course was also challenging because it’s industry language. But I can understand it now.”

Individual Support Trainer Kate Sweeting worked closely with Fabien and the other students and said it was wonderful to see their graduation so well attended. Representatives from job service agencies, National Disability Insurance Scheme agencies, the local Police, Centacare Migrant Services and Centrelink were present, but it was the friends and family of the student graduates who beamed the most with pride. Except, perhaps, for the students themselves who had good reason to be proud of their achievement.

Adversity, in forms most of us couldn’t begin to imagine, might easily have prevented any one of them from graduating. Limited education, transportation, financial burdens, personal afflictions, family issues and demands were just some of the weekly obstacles students had to surmount.

“Some of these students lived in refugee camps for many years prior to coming to Australia, enduring appalling conditions,” Moira said. “However, these students did not take their eye off the ball. They persevered, remained focussed, and won.”

At the graduation, Moira described the class as a “very proud and pleased” group of students. “They had achieved their Certificate III which is a milestone by any measure, but in particular, these students all had adverse challenges which made their achievement all the more impressive. We at STEPS are so proud of them.”

Fabien said his goals are now to get a job so he can save money and go to University to continue his studies in Nursing – a goal which once seemed insurmountable.

“Observing his own progression in our course has helped him to believe that a career in nursing is possible,” Moira said.

STEPS Education and Training is a provider of the Skills for Education and Employment (SEE) program which provides language, literacy and numeracy assessment and training to eligible students.

For more information about a course offered near you, contact us on 1300 131 965.

Fortunately, support is on hand for those who need that extra help gaining language and job skills necessary to secure and settle into work in Australia. From English language support to help finding employment, STEPS can provide opportunities for a smoother transition through the Ready for Work program.

Ready for Work, or Settlement Language Pathways to Employment and Training (SLPET) program, is a sub program of the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP), a free service for eligible migrants funded by the Australian Government.

Executive Manager STEPS Education and Training Joel Stevens said Ready for Work can be a “next option” for migrants who have completed the AMEP program. “After students have improved their English language skills through AMEP, they can think of our Ready for Work course as the next step,” Joel said.

“The main focus of this program is finding a job. So while the classes are centered on English studies, they have a work focus, such as learning the right words to use at work and understanding Australian practices and work culture.”

STEPS Ready for Work class is set to commence in Casuarina, Darwin on the 14^th of October and will run for eight weeks until the 6^th of December. The course has a component of face-to-face employment coaching as well as work placement where students can gain valuable work experience.

“It’s exciting for us and the students about to embark on this Ready for Work program knowing they will gain valuable skills and work experience to help them settle successfully in Australia,” Joel said. “We hope to run many more Ready for Work classes in the future, as many of our students have a real desire to find work.”

STEPS Casuarina Business Manager Michael Crawley said this is a great time for anyone interested in taking the Ready for Work course next year to sign up for AMEP. “We hope to have additional Ready for Work courses taking place in 2020, so this is the time to prepare for it by enrolling in an AMEP program which is the first step,” Michael said.

To find out more about Ready for Work or STEPS AMEP contact STEPS on 1300 585 868.

Students in the day program have flexible learning options visiting the college from Monday to Friday between 9 am to 3 pm. The day program allows them to remain living in the comfortable environment of home, whilst still gaining the opportunity to build life-long friends and skills to eventually live independently.

To organise a two-day trial at the STEPS Pathways College Day Program today or to find out more call 07 5458 3000.

STEPS Education & Training deliver courses and programs across Australia and pride themselves on structuring training in collaboration with local industry to ensure students graduate with skills that meet local employer needs.

Their focus on industry partnerships and flexible delivery achieves successful outcomes for both employers and students.

STEPS believe that by addressing the needs of their customers they can positively contribute to the social and economic future of a community as a whole.

STEPS Education & Training Executive Manager Joel Stevens said their courses, particularly the Individual Support courses, have a great reputation with past, current and future students because of their high post-graduation employment rate.

“We have a great reputation with local aged, disability, home and community care providers because we are skilling a workforce in a way that meets consumer and industry demands,” Mr Stevens said.

“We’re not just in the business of getting our students to graduation, we’re in the business of getting our students jobs and that requires listening to the needs of our local employers so that we can tailor our courses to meet local skills shortages and deliver outstanding job ready candidates.”

The geographic diversity of the areas STEPS service across Australia has shaped STEPS as innovators in the field of customised training responsive to the often difficult environments in which they work and the broad range of industries they support.

STEPS also spearheaded the STEPS Pathways College, providing young adults with a disability a pathway towards independence and the opportunity to achieve their goals.

The Sunshine Coast College features a training course designed to provide young adults with a disability with the opportunity to further develop the skills needed to experience a life of independence.

The Australian-first college offers an innovative, holistic learning model featuring nine core areas that combine practical learning with hands-on experience in a supportive environment through their boarding and day program offerings.

Students gain independent living skills, engage in recreational activities, and have the opportunity to build life-long friendships.

National Skills Week highlights the importance of vocational learning and training, and its role in contributing to a successful, modern economy.

For more information on the full range of STEPS Education & Training courses near you call 1300 131 965 or contact STEPS Pathways College on 07 5458 3000 for more information including a free two-day trial at the College.

2019 marks a milestone year for STEPS, celebrating 30 years of ‘making a difference by providing opportunity’, as well as the inaugural graduation of the STEPS Pathways College.

An Australian first, STEPS Pathways College provides young people with a disability the opportunity to live brighter, more independent lives through their unique, immersive training college.

Earlier this year, Pathways College held its inaugural graduation, five students graduated that day able to begin the rest of their lives with confidence, skills and independence.

It was a day that STEPS managing director Carmel Crouch said was one of her proudest yet.

“I guess the Pathways College is my proudest personal achievement,” Carmel said.

STEPS’ humble beginnings were sparked way back in 1989 when a group of parents, all of whom had a child with a disability, felt there wasn’t enough support in place to allow their children to achieve true independence.

Like all parents, that small group of mums and dads wanted nothing more than to see their children grow into happy, fulfilled individuals ready and able to take life by the horns.

“We started in Maroochydore with a supported employment program. For us it was about finding jobs for our kids and then supporting them on the job while they were in open employment,” Carmel said.

United in their passion STEPS was established, and 30 years on they’ve grown to a nation-wide not for profit group that has branched out to education and training programs, mental health and disability support, social enterprises, as well as disability employment services and NDIS support.

The Grand Winter Ball not only raises vital funds, it celebrates the students, families and a community of amazing people who so generously give to make this world a better place, by focussing on ability and not disability.

The extraordinary event showcases the true community spirit of the Sunshine Coast, bringing together the generous business community with VIPs, dignitaries, families, supporters and volunteers for a stunning night of glamour and celebration.

Find out more at www.thestepsgrandwinterball.com

We recently caught up with our new Adult Migrant English Program teacher ‘on the block’ Jennifer Lopes!

Jennifer loves working with new Australians to help them become part of our multicultural country! She believes that ‘language is the key to belonging as it enables people to communicate with others and be part of the community.’

1. Where do you teach AMEP?

STEPS Education & Training,  Alice Springs, Northern Territory.

1. What do you love about your job?

Working with new Australians to help them become part of our multicultural country.

Helping people feel confident to use English socially and for employment.

The enthusiasm and motivation our clients bring to learning English.

3. What do you enjoy teaching to your students?

The power of language to communicate and how they can transfer their language skills in their first languages to English.

How Australia is a multicultural country and how people can benefit from keeping their own culture and languages alive, but also the importance of fully embracing the freedom, laws and democracy that Australia has to offer.

4. What do your students teach you?

Many students have been through very difficult experiences in their life and remain so positive and are determined to create a new life here.  This teaches me about how strong and resilient people are and also how lucky I am to have grown up in a very safe country like Australia.

5. What is something that helps new migrants feel a sense of belonging in the community?

Language is the key to belonging as it enables them to communicate with others and be part of their community. Meeting other new migrants in class and making friends also helps people feel like they belong. Getting work and being able to provide for their families also gives a sense of pride and belonging.

If possible, joining in to play a sport or a group exercise enables people to belong to networks outside their immediate family, as well as giving physical and mental health benefits.

6. What’s something most people don’t know about you?

I lived in East Timor during the assassination attempt of the President and Nobel Peace Prize winner, Jose Ramos Horta.

7. Anything you’d like to add?

I love teaching students who are motivated to learn!

Want to know more about our free English classes for migrants n the Northern Territory? Call Alice Springs – 08 8950 7600 or  Darwin – 1300 585 868 for helpful info.

Their focus on industry partnerships and flexible delivery achieves successful outcomes for both employers and students, with particular success in the Sunshine Coast region.

STEPS believe that by addressing the needs of their customers they can positively contribute to the social and economic future of a community as a whole.

STEPS Education & Training Executive Manager Joel Stevens said their courses, particularly the Individual Support courses, have a great reputation with past, current and future students because of their high post-graduation employment rate.

“We have a great reputation with local aged, disability, home and community care providers because we are skilling the Sunshine Coast workforce in a way that meets consumer and industry demands,” Mr Stevens said.

“We’re not just in the business of getting our students to graduation, we’re in the business of getting our students jobs and that requires listening to the needs of our local employers so that we can tailor our courses to meet local skills shortages and deliver outstanding job ready candidates.”

The geographic diversity of the areas STEPS service across Australia has shaped STEPS as innovators in the field of customised training responsive to the often difficult environments in which they work and the broad range of industries they support.

STEPS’ key focus areas:

• Workplace based training and support strategies for employers
• Industry partnerships that build workplace skills and productivity
• Skilling jobseekers to meet local market needs
• Customised language, literacy and numeracy training
• Foundation skills that promote pathways to study and employment

For more information on the full range of STEPS Education & Training courses call 1300 131 965

Most days in Alice Springs locals can see an African man pushing trolleys at their local Coles Supermarket, while Ruben says it can be a tiring job, it’s one he’s so grateful to have and one he enjoys.

Ruben Tut and his wife Mary came from South Sudan to Australia a few years ago, they first arrived and lived in the central highlands of Victoria, before moving out to Alice Springs with their two children.

Both Ruben and Mary religiously attend their Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) classes at STEPS Education & Training in Alice Springs to improve their English language skills, and some mornings can be seen knocking on the classroom door, eager to start their lessons.

STEPS Business Manager Philip Allnutt says he admires Ruben’s tenacity.

“The way Ruben is so dedicated to improving his life is extraordinary,” he said.

“He has such a great personality, and a real sense of humour, but it’s his dedication to learning and improving his family’s life, that is a real stand out.

“He wants to learn and is so committed, he hangs off every word his AMEP trainers say.

“In his 51 years, he’s seen a lot and also been through a lot,” Philip said.

Philip says Ruben’s journey has been remarkable, from a construction background in war-torn and repressed South Sudan to life in Kenya, working for the United Nations Command Rear in refugee camps, then to Australia, he’s emerged with a spirit and kindness that is truly admirable.

“I worked with the United Nations back home supporting displaced families with food, housing and tents,” Ruben said.

“The UN employed me to build concrete foundations, and housing, running a crew of 20 workers helping the South Sudanese refugees.

“All the Somalian, Ugandan, Congolese, Ethiopian and Eritrean became refugees and lived in Kenya.”

He says he loves Alice Springs’ life and that his main aim now is to better his English through his AMEP studies to progress up the ladder in employment into a career in the disability care sector.

“I need to learn, I benefit from practising my reading, writing, talking and listening at AMEP”

“I like using the computers at STEPS and learning about the jobs in Alice Springs.

“I’m getting help in class to help improve my English so I can study for a new career,” Ruben said.

When looking for work previously he was faced with severe language barriers until he discovered the assistance available to him and his wife Mary through their AMEP classes.

Ruben believes it’s important for migrants and refugees new to Australia to go to English classes.

“It’s very important to come to class, if not, you’d become lazy and won’t get a job,” he said.

Ruben is a very busy man that spends long days studying and nights working until late into the evening, but he says he always makes time for a few hobbies too.

“I come to AMEP class at 9am to 2.30pm, then work from 3pm until 11pm as a crew member at Coles.

“When I finish at 11pm, I go home and watch TV to relax and when I finish watching TV, I go to sleep.

“I like to watch TV and listen to the news, I like watching football, I support Manchester United and Juventus, and I like running very much,” he said.

His advice to other migrants new to the area is to make use of the services available such as joining the local library to borrow books and use the computers.

“It’s very quiet there and good for study and learning.

“Alice Springs’ life is a very good life, people are free and safe.

To find out more about free English classes in Alice Springs and Darwin go to www.stepsamep.com.au or call 08 8950 7600 (Alice Springs) or 1300 585 868 (Darwin).

The Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) is funded by the Australian Government Department of Education and Training.

Voting
Our students took part in the recent federal action. They did a pre-poll vote after time spent learning about the process of voting. We focused on how to decide who to vote for and used Vote Compass, a tool developed by political scientists to explore how an individual’s opinions line up with that of candidates. A series of 30 questions helps identify which candidates are aligned with an individual’s views. Not all our students chose to vote.

Jobs at the RSL
Two of our graduates have gained part-time employment at the Caloundra RSL. Ari and Morgan are excited to have this opportunity to get out into the workforce and increase their skills. We would like to thank the Caloundra RSL for believing in their abilities and work ethic.

Cooking Skills
STEPS Pathways College Trainer and qualified chef Symon Molony, has been teaching our students to cook up a storm. He highlights the use of simple, fresh ingredients to make tasty and nutritious foods. The aroma wafting from our onsite commercial kitchen on cooking days is divine! Chilli con carne and bruschetta have been on the menu so far. Some of the students used adaptive technology, including knives with modified handles to assist with grip.

Personal Hygiene

We have been focussing on personal hygiene over recent weeks – not just on the ‘what’ (like, clean your teeth twice daily), but on the ‘why’ behind it (i.e. to prevent decay). Although many of our personal hygiene habits become automatic, it;s important to understand why they are important in order to consolidate them as lifetime behaviours.

A Visit to the Theatre
This week, students caught a bus and train to Nambour to watch the local disability theatre group perform their latest play.

Amazing Race Day

Students raced around the Sunshine Coast – including Nambour, Landsborough, Maroochydore and Mooloolaba – using trains, buses, cars, and taxis. They were given a list of clues to solve which would lead them to their next destination. They had to read timetables, look up the internet, solve problems, and ask for help when they needed it. Everyone finished the courses successfully, some learning from mistakes they made along the way. The Race Day is part of the Community Connections module of the Pathways program and uses experiential (and immersive) learning to teach the safe use of public transport.

Help us to create a brighter future for people with a disability in our communities, donate today.

Up until the middle of last year, he worked as a Teacher’s Aide at Mitchelton State Special School in Brisbane before moving to the Sunshine Coast to work with students with special needs at North Arm State School.

Craig first decided this was what he wanted to do when he was just seven. He had a second cousin with Down syndrome and he remembers asking his mum: “What’s wrong with Oliver?” His mum explained that Oliver had Downs syndrome.

“I’d like to hang out with people like Oliver when I’m older,” said seven-year-old Craig.

His Mum told him that he could do that as a job when he was older. Craig remembers deciding then and there that that’s what he would do.

Craig also works with crocodiles, pythons and a variety of lizards, dragons and goannas. As a demonstrator with Dreamtime Reptiles, he has spent eight years performing reptile shows all around Southeast Queensland. He works with some of the most venomous snakes in the world, showing people how snakes behave, how they respond to being confronted, and how to do first aid if they are unlucky enough to be bitten.

When asked what motivates him, Craig says: “I want to empower people to make wise and safe choices. Sometimes we need some help to make good decisions; I want to be there to help others make choices and also to teach them how to make decisions for themselves. Mistakes happen and I think it’s great to make a few. My best lessons in life have come from falling flat on my face! Sometimes I learn straight away and sometimes I fall flat on my face multiple times for the same reason. I think I learn more each time. Resilience builds success.”

Craig hopes to cultivate a learning environment where it’s okay to make mistakes in order to learn. “I want to show students how to be lifelong learners,” he says. He understands that part of independence is having a great support network around you.

“I want the students to build connections and have the supports and knowledge to have their best life. That will look different for each student, but that’s what makes this program great. Everyone can learn at their own rate and achieve their best, each individual setting and achieving their own goals.”

Craig loves teaching, witnessing the sense of pride a student gets when they learn something new or achieve a hard-won goal.

“It’s the look on a student’s face when something “clicks” or they achieve something they never thought possible. It could be making a meal or travelling on public transport independently for the first time,” he says.

Craig believes success is measured in steps and he gets a lot of satisfaction helping students take the steps needed to gain those successes. He knows that to continue to grow the students need to build on the experience of success, so when they are faced with a challenge they remember that they have been challenged before and they have won.

To find out more about STEPS Pathways College contact 5458 3000.

The 25-year-old Maryborough woman has called the College home for the last two years, studying as a boarding student, for Ariana’s mum Anne, the experience has been life-changing.

“Ariana’s very confident now in her ability to go to work, cook her meals, budget, shop and get from A to B, so that’s been a huge change,” Anne said.

“I’m so very proud of her achievements.

“For the first 23 years of Ariana’s life, it was just me, so having the opportunity for her to spread her wings and also for me to explore new opportunities because I wasn’t a 24/7 carer anymore, has been quite inspirational.

“I think the biggest change in Ariana has been her self-confidence, she no longer refers to me all the time for small problems, self-confidence has been instilled in her in a very inclusive way.

“She’s brave and ready to take on the world.

“A huge thank you to all the people who have supported Pathways College, the Sunshine Coast businesses and community, they are changing the landscape of people with disabilities and they’re also changing lives of the parents, because we now have the space to explore options that were never available to us beforehand.

“To everyone that has made this college a reality, it’s an extraordinary gift to people like myself and Ariana, so thank you,” Anne said.

STEPS  are now accepting enrolments for 2019 for both boarding and day students. To find out more information about STEPS Pathways College including enrolment dates call us on  07 5458 3000 .

Volunteering Australia estimate thousands of events will be held across the country to celebrate and thank the six million Australians who volunteer their time to the community.

Volunteering Australia CEO Adrienne Picone says volunteers contribute an estimated annual economic and social contribution of $290 billion.

The theme of the 2019 celebrations is ‘making a world of difference’, and that’s exactly what STEPS Education & Training volunteer tutor Mary Martin is doing for her cohort of Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) students in the Northern Territory.

Mary has worked for the Northern Territory government in a range of roles for more than 34 years, largely in the field of workforce attraction and skilled migration.

She is on verge of retirement and said she was looking for a volunteering activity that was going to be both challenging and rewarding.

“Working in skilled migration exposed me to many cultures and gave me an in-depth insight into the importance of English language in employment and career progression in Australia,” Mary said.

“It has also highlighted to me the challenges adults from different backgrounds face in language acquisition.

“The Australian workforce is quite unique, particularly with the hierarchical orientation, this presents many challenges to migrants.

“I initially volunteered with STEPS as I believed that my background would place me well to help others and would give me a meaningful activity in retirement,” she said.

Mary’s long list of credentials certainly makes her more than just ‘well placed’ to support migrants learning English and settle in to Australian life.

She holds a Certificate IV in Credit Management, a Bachelor of Business, Master of Business in International Business & Marketing and a Graduate Certificate in Migration Law.

She’s participated in international ministerial delegations and represented the Northern Territory in Ministerial and Senior Official skilled migration policy groups.

But it is her kind spirit and reliability that makes her stand out and shine to her students and co-workers at STEPS Darwin.

STEPS Darwin business manager Michael Crawley says Mary is a passionate and committed volunteer.

“She is very valuable to all of us here, teachers, staff and students, we’re lucky to have her,” he said.

Mary believes the AMEP cohort are unique.

“Their personal stories are quite levelling,” she said.

“I think we generally don’t appreciate the personal hardship they have experienced, sometimes I think as Australians we don’t know how lucky we are,” Mary said.

“I am continuing to learn through my volunteering and I feel I am getting more back from the students and staff than I am contributing.

STEPS Darwin have a range of interesting and rewarding volunteer roles available for people of all abilities and backgrounds, get in touch and find that rewarding feeling of ‘giving back’ on 1300 585 868.

We provide a flexible learning environment for our students and offer the opportunity to study as a boarding student living on campus or as a part of our day program. We recently celebrated our inaugural graduation ceremony, we look forward to celebrating many more.

Find out more at www.stepspathways.com.au

Video: NDIS

The College is Australia’s first intensive training course of its kind, and the individually-tailored learning options are designed to help students live a life of their own design.

Last month, STEPS Pathways College celebrated their inaugural graduation ceremony, with five students reaching their goal of learning the skills to live independently.

STEPS managing director Carmel Crouch said the day was one of the most proud days in her 30 years at the helm of STEPS.

“Having watched the College go from a concept to a buzzing learning environment and the first educational program of its kind in Australia, to witnessing the pride and joy on each of our graduates’ faces as they received their graduation certificates is incredibly special,” Carmel said.

“This milestone is a wonderful achievement for the whole community, made possible through the collaboration of so many people.

“I feel that we can all be proud as we witness our first group of students set out for life as confident, educated and informed young adults,” she said.

Graduates Tom Amarena and Ariana Nioa said they were both more excited than nervous about their recent graduation and what lies ahead.

“My goals for the future are to work in the media or IT,” Tom said.

“I am a bit shy, but that’s the kind of person I am, but since being at STEPS, I’m not as nervous.

“I loved subjects like geography, I am also really excited about moving to Melbourne after I graduate, I love the AFL and have cousins there,” he said.

Ariana said she’s looking forward to moving in with fellow classmate, Alana, after they both graduate, and working in office administration on the Sunshine Coast.

“My mum found out about STEPS Pathways College and my brother inspired me to come, he went to Uni as well and got his masters, I’m so proud of him and he and my mum inspired me,” Ariana said.

“Carmel inspires people with disabilities to be independent, I want to be independent out in the community, and get a job.

“I like budgeting, cooking and researching recipes, we had a nutritionist too that helped us plan meals,” she said.

Since opening in 2016, the college has seen considerable growth and now supports 9 students in the day program and 8 in the boarding program, with plans for future expansion now on the horizon.

The day program gives Sunshine Coast locals the opportunity to study independent living skills through the specially-designed curriculum.

Students gain practical life-long skills in combination with actual independent living experience while they either reside on campus in purpose-built homes or attend as day students.

During their stay, students are provided with a safe and supportive environment where they learn at a pace best suited to their needs.

STEPS Pathways College Manager DJ McGlynn said the flexible learning environment is a big drawcard for many young people with a disability, together with their families, who traditionally never had an option like this before.

Ariana’s advice to others thinking about enrolling at STEPS Pathways College is to ‘be confident and come look at the program.’

To find out more about STEPS Pathways College contact 5458 3000.

Image: H2H Studios

In celebration of both the 2019 International Women’s Day and Harmony Week, the women in the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) and Skills for Education & Employment (SEE) course at STEPS Education & Training in Palmerston, Northern Territory have been partaking in a handmade quilting project as part of their coursework.

The sewing classes go far beyond learning the basics of sewing and measuring, they provide a platform for social interactions and friendship building. Importantly, the group work helps the women to develop not only literacy and numeracy skills, it also builds confidence practising conversational English in a relaxed setting.

The quilt was displayed in the City of Palmerston Library in Darwin, Northern Territory as part of an International Women’s Day and Harmony Week exhibition. It then returned to STEPS Education & Training in Palmerston for their Harmony Week celebrations, and the quilt will now embark on a journey of almost 3000km from Darwin, Northern Territory to the STEPS Pathways College based on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast.

STEPS Pathways College provides students living with a disability a pathway towards independence and the opportunity to achieve their goals.

The sewing team of 11 students was led by STEPS volunteer Kerri Roberts assisted by Maria Stephens, both former SEE students, the project was overseen by SEE trainer Mark Roscoe.

Kerri and Maria said they gained so much confidence since joining the sewing group and have formed some wonderful friendships, both experienced and knowledgeable sewers, they now offer their time to volunteer at STEPS teaching students to sew.

Kerri made a public speaking presentation on behalf of the sewing group at the City of Palmerston Library’s Women’s Art Exhibition launch and morning tea. An event attended by Mayor of Palmerston Athina Pascoe-Bell and Northern Territory Anti-Discrimination Commissioner, Sally Sievers. Kerri attributed the confidence gained through her SEE classes and volunteering at STEPS to providing her with the courage to take on the public speaking task.

The quilt is predominantly orange, the colour chosen to represent Harmony Week. The colour orange signifies social communication, joy, warmth, encouragement, happiness and enthusiasm. The people on the quilt represent women, for International Women’s Day.

From its humble beginnings in a Darwin classroom, the quilt has quickly become a project of so much more than just sewing skills, it has connected people from all backgrounds and become a platform to enhancing the social fabric of the community.

This quilt was crafted by people from diverse backgrounds and experiences, it shows that the making of a simple quilt can really become a symbol for inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for everyone.

If you would like to know more about the STEPS Education & Training courses and get involved visit stepsgroupaustraliag.kinsta.cloud/training/

Multicultural Community Services of Central Australia manager Marguerite Baptiste-Rooke said being able to communicate with other people is high on the list of critical needs of the immigrants settling into life in Australia.

“For the migrants and refugees that arrive to Alice Springs, the most vital need is to learn English language skills in a face-to-face learning environment,” Marguerite said.

“Basic English language skills are fundamental, you cannot do anything without basic language skills, you can’t communicate with your neighbours, the community, and you can’t get work.

“To have the three E’s of English, Education and Employment is vital to settlement in Australia, so that people are not disadvantaged.

Marguerite has fought for many years to secure the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) in Alice Springs and replace the current distance education program which Marguerite said has not been a suitable solution for the migrant community’s needs.

“Our migrants are isolated in their home in the some of the most remote areas of the country and they can’t learn English on a laptop via distance education if they don’t have any English skills,” Marguerite said.

STEPS Education and Training have jumped on board to roll out free English classes through the AMEP providing flexible day and night classes to suit student work and family schedules.

STEPS Alice Springs business manager Philip Allnutt said teaching migrants English not only provides language skills that help them settle into life and work in Australia, it also provides a vital social aspect that helps build their community and forms friendships that provide a sense of belonging.

“Our AMEP classes teach language skills that will help migrants settle successfully in Australia with people of similar backgrounds, experiences and goals, they learn about Australian values, cultures, laws, and a range of topics to make it easier to work, study and enjoy life in Australia,” Philip said.

Philip and Margeurite look forward to welcoming new students to classes starting soon and welcome new inquiries, call 08 8950 7600.

Rabecca began studying English in September last year, and after finding her dream job at a Darwin crèche recently, she continues her English studies at the night classes provided by STEPS Education & Training Casuarina.

Having worked in a children’s home in Kenya, Rabecca is a passionate and caring person with the ability to connect with children of all ages.

“I love the childcare industry and I love helping children develop their social, intellectual and motor skills,” Rabecca said.

Creche manager Vena Nyandoro said Rabecca is a real asset to their team.

“It feels like she’s been here forever, she fits right in and always arrives first to work and gets everything organised,” Vena said.

STEPS Education & Training staff supported Rabecca through her employment journey by assisting her to apply for her Ochre card (working with children clearance card) and by referring her to employment opportunities in the local area.

Janine loves Alice Springs and says that as soon as she touched down on the tarmac at the Alice Springs airport she just knew she was home…

We stopped in with Janine for a quick Q&A:
What do you love about your job? I love the fact that I can work in group settings and also provide individual instruction to my adult learners in the SEE program supporting them to take some time to reset what they missed out on in their former schooling years developing a strong foundation for them.

What do you enjoy teaching to your students? I enjoy teaching maths and numeracy especially around percentages and fractions, as I like to see my students experience maths as a fun subject!

What do your students teach you or what do you learn from your job? My students are currently teaching me Arrente language and that even though they haven’t got it all at the moment they are bilingual and have much experience and intellect to bring to the class.

What’s something most people don’t know about you? I’m an outdoors’ person, enjoying recreational pursuits such as hiking and kayaking.

STEPS deliver language, literacy and numeracy training to areas in North Queensland, Western Australia, and the Northern Territory through the Australian Government’s Skills for Education and Employment Program (SEE).

The SEE program aims to provide individuals with the foundation skills needed to participate in further study and employment. Find out more.

Where are you from? Alice Springs

What class are you currently enrolled in? Skills for Education & Employment Program (SEE), Foundation Skills

What do enjoy about the classes? Learning with my classmates, Aggie and Delwyn, and learning how to use email and Microsoft word documents, and practising job interview scenarios to get job-ready. I really like working at the Alice Springs Community Garden, taking care of the marigolds, capsicums, carrots, lemongrass and parsley through the hot Alice summer.

What do you hope these classes will help you with or to achieve? I am working towards an apprenticeship, training with Ingkerreke Construction as a maintenance officer and welder, so the SEE program helps me with my reading, writing and maths.

What is one of your hobbies and what do you like to do outside of study? Supporting my local Pioneer Eagles Football Club and being with my family looking after my younger brother. I love gardening, visiting the local nurseries on the weekend and selecting plants for my family’s garden.

What is one of your dreams in life? To be a welder.

Anything you would like to tell us about yourself? I love having a joke with people!!

STEPS deliver language, literacy and numeracy training to areas in North Queensland, Western Australia, and the Northern Territory through the Australian Government’s Skills for Education and Employment Program (SEE). The SEE program aims to provide individuals with the foundation skills needed to participate in further study and employment.  Visit the website for more information.

We sat down with Lampai, to get to know more about her and her experience in the Adult Migrant English Program.

Where are you from?  My name is Pai and I come from Thailand.

What do you like about living in Australia so far? I like living in Australia, I have been here first in 2012 then went back to Thailand with my husband.  I came back and forwards a little bit.  I like Australia, I like the people, it makes me happy.  I like my house in Australia with my husband.

What do enjoy about the AMEP classes? I really like and enjoy coming to the AMEP, I like all the staff and students, and I like to learn. I love coming to class for social reasons, I get to meet people and learn about them, create friends, and it helps make me happy in Australia.  I love Australia!

What helps to bring you a sense of belonging here in Australia?I go out to restaurants with my husband on Fridays often, we also go to the markets, and I like gardening and socialising with others, both Australian and Thai people.  I like all people!

What is one of your dreams in life? I would love to heal people and make their lives better.

Anything you would like to share with us about yourself? I have a husband Geoff, and we have a nice house, I have two sons in Thailand, 34 and 28 years old, and I have two grandsons in Thailand.  I like coming to study and I love being around people.

AMEP classes teach English language skills to help settle migrants successfully in Australia with people of similar backgrounds, experiences and goals.

Students learn about Australian values, cultures and laws, and a range of topics that will make it easier to work, study and enjoy life in Australia.

For more information on starting FREE English lessons with STEPS contact Alice Springs – 08 8950 7600 or
Darwin – 1300 585 868 or visit the website.

The workshops were designed to offer the new migrants that have signed up to the upcoming AMEP classes an opportunity to connect and learn about life outside the classroom in the Northern Territory before they embark on their AMEP English studies this year.

Topics of the workshops included Australia’s Deadliest Animals, Quintessential Australian Stories such as the story of Vincent Lingiari “From Little Things, Big Things Grow”, Red Dog and The Great Emu War. Disaster Preparation was also on the agenda being very topical after the recent cyclone Marcus caused a lot of damage to Darwin.

STEPS Group Australia’s lead AMEP teacher David Cairns said the students loved the different classes and really engaged with lively discussions benefiting greatly from the social aspect of the workshops.

“The idea behind learning about classic Australian stories is that they help bring an understanding of culture,” David said.

“The students also really enjoy meeting new classmates, discovering new topics, excursions and guest speakers,” David said.

AMEP teacher Anne Lutton also believes the classes provide a different forum for learning and cover topics that form a necessary part to settling in to Darwin life.

“As teachers, we also benefit from teaching in a different way, and gain the personal rewards from teaching the students here in this unique format,” Anne said.

Student Sharareh from Iran said she especially liked learning about the animals as did student Julia from China.

“Everything here is good for me, I am happy and I like improving my English and writing,” Sharareh said.

Before coming to Australia I didn’t know about the animals, and I have even been in the water, as I wasn’t aware of the crocodiles,” Sharareh said.

“I like Australia because Darwin is a small town and life is quiet,” Julia said.

I liked the Australian stories’ workshop, especially Crocodile Dundee, as living in the outback is very different,” Julia said.

At the Palmerston classes students had a visit from a registered wildlife carer and the opportunity to cuddle a baby wallaby.

STEPS Group Australia Palmerston Business Manager Yvonne Coleman said the students absolutely adored the visit.

“They were very engaged and asked a lot of questions, such as what do they eat, how long do the joeys stay with their mum, how big will they grow and how does the mother carry the baby in the pouch,” Yvonne said.

“The registered wildlife carer spoke about the types of Australian wallabies and the difference between wallabies and kangaroos, it was a wonderful way to introduce the migrant students to Australian wildlife and also have a cuddle,” Yvonne said.

Students in this year’s cohort come from a range of countries including Bangladesh, Iran, India, Australia, China, Thailand, Vietnam, Greece, Ukraine and Kenya.

STEPS Education and Training offer free adult English classes in Darwin and Alice Springs and welcome new students. For more information on eligibility please contact STEPS amep@stepsgroup.com.au

International Migrants Day is on 18th December and is an opportunity to celebrate, recognise and raise awareness of migrants all around the world.

Netpreya moved from Thailand to Australia in 2016.

She enrolled in the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) at Palmerston’s STEPS Education and Training because she wanted to focus on improving her English skills.

Recently completing her studies, Netpreya received a Certificate II in Spoken and Written English, and sat down with us to talk about her study experience.

“We had people from many parts of the world,” Netpreya said of her class at STEPS.

She said she grew very close to the students and staff and would sometimes get together out of class time too.

Finding a friendly and welcoming community at STEPS, Netpreya said the best part about studying there was the people.

“Our trainer was very nice and everyone was so welcoming,” she said.

“The trainers would sit with you one on one and help you if you needed.”

AMEP provides free English lessons to help people work, study and enjoy life in Australia.

STEPS can provide up to 510 hours of free English language lessons to migrants and humanitarian entrants.

Executive Manager of STEPS Education and Training Joel Stevens said STEPS aims to provide more than English language lessons.

“At STEPS we want to create a welcoming community and support migrants and refugees as they settle into life in Australia.

“That’s why our program covers a range of topics that will assist in everyday life in Australia and provides a range of additional services including free child care and home tutoring,” Joel said.

The Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) is funded by the Australian Government Department of Education. Want to learn English? STEPS offers flexible class times in Casuarina and Palmerston, call 1300 585 868  or Alice Springs call 08 8950 7600.

Ever wanted to try AFL or martial arts? Now is your chance! Bring your friends and family and have a ball playing cricket or get a kick out of soccer!

We’ll have coaches and volunteers on-hand to offer guidance and answer any questions. Come and try martial arts, AFL, union, league, soccer and cricket.

With a showcase of stalls, come and discover the wide variety of sports and services the Sunshine Coast has to offer.

Date  03/12/2018
Time  10am – 1:00pm
Venue  Sports Field, Central Park East, Corner Ulm Street and Plover Parade
RSVP to STEPS Pathways College on 5458 3000 or email pathways@stepsgroup.com.au

The Day Program gives Sunshine Coast locals the opportunity to study independent living skills through the specially-designed curriculum.

The College, which opened in 2017, teaches young adults with a disability skills to make informed decisions and lead a life of their own design.

STEPS Deputy CEO Kerry Staines said the College is currently accepting enrolments for 2019, and the free two-day trial was a great way for students and families to experience the program.

“The Day Program is a great option for many young adults, especially school-leavers on the Sunshine Coast looking for the next step,” Kerry said.

“Our day students study the same topics as our boarding students, and they’re then able to go home and practice the things they’ve learned,” she said.

STEPS Pathways College is Australia’s first intensive training course of its kind, and the individually-tailored learning options are designed to help students achieve their own goals.

STEPS Pathways College Manager DJ McGlynn said the flexible learning environment is a big drawcard for many young people with a disability, together with their families and carers.

“One of our current day students started out attending one day a week, then two. He now loves it so much he wants to become a boarding student next year,” DJ said.

“We love being able to provide that opportunity for this student and his family, as his skills and confidence continues to grow.”

The free two-day trial is based out of the Caloundra campus and has limited availability and dates.

To secure a trial please contact STEPS Pathways College Manager DJ McGlynn on 0437 544 024 or email dj@stepsgroup.com.au

Staying safe in the community is such an important aspect of being an independent adult, and it was our overarching topic this month at STEPS Pathways College. In the classroom, we looked at things like pedestrian safety, road safety and taking precautions on public transport. We learned about staying calm in sticky situations like when you miss a bus or get off at the wrong stop. Another important lesson was being assertive and being able to tell a driver to slow down when they are speeding.

We had a visit from a police officer, Peter, complete with handcuffs and a police car! Peter gave us some great tips for making smart decisions about safety in our homes and while out and about. The students also had the chance to sit in the back of the police car – something we’re sure will be a rarity!

My favourite learning activity of the month has been when we took the skills we were learning and practised them outside the classroom. The students set off in teams on an “Amazing Race” style challenge across the Sunshine Coast. To get the clue to their next destination, the students had to successfully answer questions about travel safety. The students had a lot of fun and it was great to see their confidence and teamwork shine.

On weekends and afternoons the students are continuing to plan their own recreational outings. We’ve had a few unseasonably warm days where most of the group have loved walking over to the local pool and going for a swim. The students have also enjoyed a trip to Sea Life Aquarium in Mooloolaba and the Big Pineapple. We also went out for a group dinner at Bellvista Tavern to celebrate the end of a great term.

Our boarding students at Murphy House rolled up their sleeves to give their units a thorough clean before the break. When we come back to class in October we’ll be joined by some new students and I’m confident our current students will make them feel welcome, just as they have before.

Until next time,

Jason

STEPS Pathways College Trainer

Read more of our ‘From the trainer’s desk’ blogs

August has been an exciting month with many new experiences, challenges and accomplishments for everyone at STEPS Pathways College! One of the most exciting things has of course been the start of work experience. Each of the young adults found work in an area that interests them, from car detailing, fashion and retail.

Once a week the students have attended their work placement, and it’s been absolutely fantastic to see their reactions when they return. Even though there were some nerves at first, they have loved the chance to meet new people, build on their self-confidence and use their independent living skills in the community.

Many of the students are independently catching public transport to and from their workplace – something some students would have struggled with earlier in their studies. There’s been plenty of positive feedback from everyone involved, and with only a few weeks left of work experience, we’ve had several requests to extend it!

Back in the classroom we’ve been looking at the topic of technology, literacy and numeracy skills for life. We learned a lot about cyber-safety, staying safe online and using computers in everyday situations. We talked a lot about staying safe on social media, and looked at potential risks through some case studies.

We also moved classrooms this month, which has been well-received by all. Our new room is much bigger – perfect for our growing class and the students are loving having the extra space. We have some great new furniture and all agree it’s a more homely environment.

We’ve welcomed a new boarding student to the College this month, all the way from Mackay! We’re really proud to see he has settled in well, made new friends and really enjoys class.

Our Saturdays at Murphy House have been a bit more relaxed this month compared to July’s busy activities! The boarding students have enjoyed casual weekend trips to the beach and to play laser tag. The group also got involved with the Sunshine Coast Plant Swap held at STEPS Nursery, selling pots they decorated and helping out on the day.

Next month we’ll be taking on a new topic, as well as continuing our work experience and keeping on enjoying our new classroom!

Until next time,

Jason

STEPS Pathways College Trainer

Read more of our ‘From the trainer’s desk’ blogs

For the first half of July the students at STEPS Pathways College enjoyed a well-earned break. We always love hearing their stories when they return, especially about how they have taken the opportunity to “show off” their skills around the home and their local communities.

The weekend before their return to the classroom was STEPS’ largest fundraising events of the year, the STEPS Grand Winter Ball. For many of the students, the ball was the first time they had attended such a formal event, and I was really proud to see the students enjoy the evening. Some of our students in particular have really grown this year in terms of self-confidence and self-esteem, which has allowed them to step outside of their comfort zones, take risks and embrace new experiences and opportunities. I also really enjoyed hearing from the parents who joined us on the evening as they shared their stories about what STEPS Pathways College means to them, the changes they’ve noticed in their son or daughter and the difference it’s made in both their lives. It was a special moment realising the impact of the College is much more widespread than just the students, but also their entire families and the wider community.

Heading back into the classroom, this month we started our unit on technology, literacy and numeracy skills for life. We’re covering important skills like using computers, emails and being safe online. We’re also studying finance topics like money handling, using ATMs, internet banking, saving money and paying bills. These are all really important skills for gaining independence, and our new students – a day program student who has just started with us and a boarding student joining us soon – are lucky to be jumping straight into such a useful topic.

Outside of the classroom, but still with our learning hats on, we have been on trips to the Sunshine Coast Daily Careers Expo and the Sunshine Coast French Festival. The group also enjoyed a recreational trip to cheer on the Sunshine Coast Phoenix basketball team from a corporate box, and even got to meet some players and have a go at shooting some hoops.

At the College, we’re getting ready to change classrooms and split the class as the program continues to grow, and we gain additional trainers and students. All of our students will also soon be starting work placements with a variety of local businesses, which is very exciting! The students all did a great job in their interviews and I can’t wait to keep you updated next month with how it all goes!

Until next time,

Jason

STEPS Pathways College Trainer

Read more of our ‘From the trainer’s desk’ blogs

The quilt, which is being made in the colours of the Aboriginal flag, is being made for NAIDOC Week by students from the STEPS Skills for Education and Employment (SEE) program.

The course teaches literacy and numeracy skills to help people find work or go into further study, and STEPS Palmerston Business Manager Yvonne Coleman said students love learning through contextualised training activities.

“The class love sewing and we knew with a big project like a quilt there’s a lot of calculations and measurements,” she said.

“We told them about STEPS Pathways College and the group decided that would be where they wanted the quilt to go,” she said.

STEPS Pathways College is based on the Sunshine Coast and is the first program of its kind in Australia, giving young adults with a disability the opportunity to learn skills to live independently.

SEE student Bevan Dickenson said the NAIDOC Week project helped him to share his Indigenous heritage with the multicultural class.

“NAIDOC Week is about keeping Indigenous culture strong and sharing stories with friends,” he said.

Classmate Maria Stephens said the group decided to donate the quilt to show their gratitude to STEPS.

“We all love coming here to learn and feel the kindness of STEPS. We’re also really proud of what STEPS does to help people with a disability,” she said.

SEE trainer Mark Roscoe said finding a balance between the curriculum and projects the students enjoy brings out the best in the group.

“They love problem solving and working with each other in a team. I am very proud to see how much their confidence has grown,” he said.

As part of the morning’s presentations, community Elders, business owners and Mayor Joe Paronella listened to a speech by STEPS Skills for Education and Employment (SEE) program student Kaylene Malthouse.

But just weeks before, Kaylene felt the burden of a fear of public speaking.

“She said people don’t often think she would have a fear due to her big natured personality,” STEPS SEE trainer Candice Buckland said.

“But she was quite tearful as she said her lack of confidence and ability to speak in public has been holding her back from doing things in the community that she really wanted to do.”

Kaylene said speaking at community events like Reconciliation Day meant a lot to her and her family.

“I am heavily involved in the Indigenous community and uplifting the Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal community,” Kaylene said.

“It was important to show the whole of community that Aboriginal & Torres Strait Island people have good values and can contribute good things to the community.”

“My friends and family were absolutely blown away that we could have an event that shows our diversity but builds our community.”

“Gives us an insight into each other’s lives even if it is just for a moment. We were blended as a community and it was very nice.”

Candice said part of the program that prepares students for work asks participants to reflect on physical and mental barriers that they feel hold them back from achieving their goals.

The trainers then work closely with the students to build confidence, come up with action plans, create visualisation boards, and build a list of personal goals.

“One of Kaylene’s goals was to speak at Reconciliation Day,” Candice said.

“This involved drafting a speech, editing it, finalising it and then practicing it in front of the class. The class gave Kaylene feedback on everything from her stance, to her projection and the content of her speech.”

Kaylene said she loved that her entire class showed up to support her on the day.

“It felt really good to be a role model to them and to show them we can do anything we put our minds to,” she said.

“There are lots of people that are of Indigenous background in our class. The non-Indigenous people are so supportive and I would like to see the greater community operate as we do in this class.”

We’ve had a productive month at STEPS Pathways College, finishing one topic and starting another as we raced towards our end of term break. In June we completed our healthy living skills unit and started our studies on social skills.

The last area we looked at in our healthy livings skills unit was food safety. Students enjoyed participating in a variety of experiments, including observing the changes in colour, smell and texture of different food as it spoiled. Another experiment involved students cooking a variety of meats and observing the changes of colour and smell as the meat was being cooked. We also enjoyed a trip to the Sunshine Coast Library in Kawana to watch a presentation about nutrition by a top dietician on the Coast.

Back in the classroom, we started our new unit about social skills and have learnt about appropriate social skills, expressing and managing feelings, as well as etiquette and politeness. Students enjoyed watching the famous Disney movie Inside Out and having a discussion about identifying and managing emotions. Other popular class activities included charades, crafting emoji faces out of Plasticine, and making a diorama of the STEPS Grand Winter Ball while going through rules around social etiquette and table manners.

We were lucky to be invited to the STEPS Grand Winter Ball in July, which is STEPS Charity’s largest fundraising event of the year. Just before the break students enjoyed a celebratory end of term dinner where they were able practice their dining etiquette ready for the STEPS Grand Winter Ball.

One of the group’s favourite Saturday activities this month was a trip to the Sunshine Coast Agriculture Show in Nambour. The students also got together and organised a ‘movie chill’ day with a BBQ and their friends at Murphy House. It was great to see students organise this with little support, illustrating the progress in their ability to independently organise and get involved in recreational activities, as well as the strong friendships between the students at the College.

Students have earned a well-deserved break and will enjoy spending time with family and friends. Following the holiday break we’ll be back in the classroom finishing the social skills unit, before commencing studies in technology, literacy and numeracy skills for life.

Until next time,

Jason

STEPS Pathways College Trainer

Read more of our ‘From the trainer’s desk’ blogs

Nisren is also a refugee from Syria, who fled her country with her family and spent time in refugee camps before being settled in Australia.

“When I arrived here in Darwin, everything was different from my country but here everything is good,” Nisren said.

Refugee Week is being celebrated nationally 17^th to 23^rd of June, and is a time to raise awareness and recognition for the safety, dignity and rights of people who are forced to leave their homes.

“I came to Australia because my government died,” Nisren said.

“One day, it was a Saturday, we were cleaning the house and they started bombing my city.

“That day we decided to leave and applied to be a refugee.”

Upon arriving in Darwin, Nisren began studying English at STEPS Education & Training College in Casuarina.

The STEPS Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) offers free English language tuition to eligible students, to support refugees and migrants in adjusting to Australian life, find work and be active members of their community.

“People are very helpful, especially here at STEPS. When we ask them about anything the teachers help us,” Nisren said.

“When Cyclone Marcus came, they explained everything we needed to know, like to store water before the cyclone came.”

STEPS Casuarina business manager Michael Crawley said it was important for the community to work together to give refugees the best opportunity to thrive in their new homes.

“What we do at STEPS is just one piece of the puzzle,” he said.

“We’re proud to work with other organisations such as the Melaleuca Refugee Centre, Anglicare, MCNT (Multicultural Council of the Northern Territory), our local police and more, to help our students connect with the community and feel welcome and safe.”

STEPS AMEP teacher Anne Lutton said she has seen Nisren’s confidence grow during her time at STEPS.

“She really wants to get into the workforce as soon as possible,” Anne said.

“She’s an awesome student and highly motivated, so I’m sure she’ll be a success thanks to her own drive.”

#WithRefugees is the theme for Refugee Week 2018 in Australia.

At STEPS Pathways College this month we studied one of my favourite topics, healthy living skills. Healthy living skills are such an important aspect of living independently. We last visited this theme about six months ago, so it was great to see how much the students had retained. This time around we built upon those skills even further through some new and different activities, both in and out of the classroom.

In the classroom we learnt about mental health, physical health and spirituality, and how these all relate to overall wellbeing. One of the popular activities we did this month involved giving each student a chance to lead an exercise class with the rest of the group. We had some great discussions before and after exercising, which allowed the students to identify some of the many benefits of physical exercise, like improved moods and feeling energised. One of my highlights was seeing a student who usually shies away from sports and physical activity really take part in the exercise sessions. It was great to see her join in and particularly enjoy the social benefits of physical activity.

Many of the students have been creating their own meal plans, grocery shopping and cooking independently for several months now. In one of our nutrition sessions we visited their pantries and students identified where a variety of their foods fit in the food pyramid. It was awesome to see the group build on their nutrition skills and be able to point out healthier options. We’ve noticed great improvements in their diets compared to six months ago, and the students are really gaining a greater understanding about the importance of the food choices they make. One of my favourite “small wins” of the month was seeing one of our students now putting tomato on their toasted sandwich!

One of our boarding students had their birthday this month and we celebrated with one of their favourite activities: bushwalking in Noosa National Park. We’re lucky to be on the Sunshine Coast and have a huge selection of national parks and beautiful coastlines right on our doorstep!

Another highlight of the month was the STEPS Pathways College Open Day. Over 100 families came to visit us on the Open Day and learn more about the College, tour the Murphy House student accommodation and talk to STEPS staff. Each of our students had a role to play on the day and they were amazing ambassadors for the College. As a trainer I’m in a privileged spot to get to see our students harness their confidence and watch their self-esteem grow through activities and events like this.

In the coming weeks we’ll be further developing our social skills, which will be perfect in the lead up to some exciting events we have planned!

Until next time,

Jason

STEPS Pathways College Trainer

Read more of our ‘From the trainer’s desk’ blogs

We delved into planning and organisation with students arranging a movie day, complete with healthy drinks and snacks. The students took a trip to the Caloundra Community Centre and the Tourist Information Centre and were able to collect brochures and learn about other recreational activities on offer.

The group had the opportunity to explore the arts and meet the Sunshine Troupe, a performing arts group for young adults with a disability. The visit was a great opportunity for students to develop networks which will certainly benefit them when they move on from STEPS Pathways College.

It’s also great seeing students grow in confidence. When I started teaching at the College, some of our students were a little hesitant when it came to trying new things. It’s a whole different story now, with students keen to jump in and participate in all sorts of new activities and step outside their comfort zone more often than not. It’s great to see these attitudes have a positive impact on our fresh faces too, as the newer students feel more comfortable settling in to a new routine.

This month we welcomed a new student as a part of our day program. The day program has been developed to give local young adults with a disability the opportunity to take part in our unique curriculum and practice what they learn in the comforts of their own home.

In the classroom this month we studied the social and health benefits of participating in recreational activities. We also developed time management skills by making calendars with their favourite activities marked out. In May we’ll move onto healthy living skills and I’m looking forward to seeing students continue to grow in this area of learning.

Until next time,

Jason

STEPS Pathways College Trainer

Read more of our ‘From the trainer’s desk’ blogs

Passionate about working with people living with a disability, Della began searching for the training she needed to begin her career.

“My heart has always been in working with people with a disability, from kids, to teenagers, young adults and adults,” she said.

Della says her determination to reach her career goals probably made her a more demanding student.

“I knew what I wanted and didn’t want to waste time, so I was quite persistent and single minded in my aged care training course, and in my questions to instructors,” she said.

After completing a Certificate III in Individual Support at STEPS Education and Training, Della was offered a part-time position as a support worker at STEPS Pathways College.

The innovative program based in Caloundra supports young people living with a disability by providing an immersive learning environment.

The 12-month program provides students with housing on campus and helps to build skills, confidence, and experience to live independently in the community.

Della completed her 2-week work placement at STEPS Pathways College and said she knew instantly she wanted to stay.

“I was excited when I got my placement at STEPS Pathways College because it was the direction I wanted to go and I could get the experience I needed.”

“It was a great opportunity and an amazing experience, and I learnt so much in just two weeks,” she said.

Della said her role can change from day to day but it’s always about supporting each student as they work towards independence, and she loves it.

She said watching STEPS Pathways Trainer Jason Keen teach was a learning experience.

“I learnt so much from just watching the way Jason interacts with the students and teaches.”

“He gets that balance right: teaching while treating all the students individually and meeting all their needs,” she said.

Cr Jenny McKay, Andrew Wallace MP and Jarrod Bleijie MP also attended the STEPS Pathways College official opening ceremony in Caloundra in front of the College’s supporters, students and their family.

The College is the brainchild of STEPS Group Australia managing director Carmel Crouch, who saw the need for young adults with a disability to have the opportunity to move out of home and make informed decisions about their own lives.

“It has been a long journey but to see these students learn new skills and create their own independence has made it all worth it,” Carmel said.

The College welcomed its inaugural cohort in May and has already made a huge difference on the students who are experiencing living independently from their families for the first time.

The holistic learning model combines an intensive training program and actual living experience to equip the young adults with the confidence they need to take charge of their future.

The Caloundra campus boasts beautiful, modern student accommodation units which were built thanks to the generosity of many Sunshine Coast tradespeople and suppliers, lead by BA Murphy Constructions.

Jane Prentice, who had also visited the campus during the build of the College, said she looked forward to returning for the graduation ceremony next year.

Glen is a trainer for STEPS’ Skills for Education and Employment (SEE) program helping people gain the skills needed to achieve employment in their local community, and become better prepared for future study.

While STEPS provide training in a range of locations across the NT, in Millingimbi the role sees Glen working with young men providing hands-on, practical learning experiences for his students.

Glen secured a long term working contract with STEPS in 2016 and said the role has not only given him personal security, but has also allowed him the time to design and build a program using local voices.

“Understanding and respecting local culture and traditions plays an important role in the success of our training programs,” he said.

“Here we’ve been able to develop a program of substance which will benefit Millingimbi will into the future”.

Glen has fallen in love with his stunning island home which he says has some of the best fishing in the world, but he’s the first to admit that working as a remote trainer may not be for everyone.

“You have to be patient and accept the rhythm of life,” he said.

“You’ve got to be prepared to work hard as well. You don’t get the entertainment of the city, you have got to learn to entertain yourself and be happy in your own space”.

STEPS national training manager Joel Stevens said STEPS regularly offer a range of exciting and diverse training roles throughout the NT.

“As a not for profit organisation we’re always on the look out for people who are as passionate as us about making a positive impact on the communities we work in, and the people we work with,” he said.

“We want people with a positive, ‘can do’ attitude who are keen to grow their career with STEPS, and in exchange we try and offer those pathways for career development”.

Check out STEPS’ latest career opportunities at stepsgroupaustraliag.kinsta.cloud/careers-with-us

The students have shown great enthusiasm and participation as they start to develop skills in the various learning areas. A popular aspect for all the young adults has been finding their favourite recipes, going grocery shopping and preparing their food.

The students have loved learning about nutrition and the different ways they can make a meal healthier. The beautiful BBQ on the patio between the accommodation units has been taken for a spin with the residents making the most of it throughout the State of Origin season. It’s been great to see the students share in the joy of cooking together and enjoying mealtimes with their new friends and flatmates.

The group has started to learn the basics of managing their personal finances and practice sticking to a budget. Excursions off campus have given a wealth of opportunities to practice making payments, using public transport and engaging in the community.

The students enjoy using nearby parks for fitness and socialising and with the weather warming up we’re sure the local beaches will soon be a popular option for weekends and spare time.

College students have formed a close group in the short time they have been living and learning together. They have begun to pick up the skills that will see them become good neighbours and residents in their community.

The group has shared many wonderful memories already from practical lessons to birthday celebrations and we can’t wait to watch them grow throughout the course as they practice their skills for independence.

Find a space and time to learn

Get the most out of your study time and choose a quiet and comfortable place where you can focus and won’t get distracted. It helps to set regular times to learn.

Keep in mind that people function best at different times of the day, some are more productive in the morning, while others work better in the evening. Make sure you choose a time to learn that suits your needs best.

Make a plan and set small goals

Maximise your time by determining what you would like to achieve in each of your sessions. Write a list of what you would like to have completed and set time frames for each task. To stay on track you can set alarms to signal when you should move on to the next task.

Identify how you best learn

We all learn differently, some find that learning is easier when it is displayed visually (i.e. diagrams, pictures), and others like to hear the information (i.e. read notes aloud, or make a recording). There are different styles of learning, and you can become a more effective student if you determine what style works best for you.

Take breaks

Short breaks when learning can be beneficial, hitting the pause button on study gives you time to absorb and reflect on the information you have covered.

Ask for help

If you are confused or don’t understand something, ask someone for help. A big part of learning is about asking questions.

Revise

Go over what you have learnt at a later date. Going back to material can further your understanding and ensures you remember it all correctly.

Having recently commenced her role as teacher of the Adult Migrant English Program with STEPS Education and Training, Jasmine said that each day was a new day of discovery.

“Teaching is like a journey of learning to me. While meeting new people, I do not only teach them but also I learn a lot from them. That is how I rediscover myself every day,” she said.

Originally from Bangladesh, Jasmine emigrated to Australia in 2012 to study at university achieving her bachelor degree and Masters in Research.

With aspirations to complete her PhD and teach at university, Jasmine took on the role with the not-for-profit organisation to gain valuable experience teaching adults from a diverse range of backgrounds.

Having come from a non-English speaking background herself, Jasmine believes her experience has given her a unique perspective and insight into some of the challenges her current students face in moving to a new country.

“I feel happy when I can teach them about lives in Australia and make them a bit more comfortable and confident in dealing with real life situations and settling down in Australia,” she said.

“Learning about these refugees’ and migrants’ lives, their good and bad experiences in life, their perspectives about life is the amazing part of my job”.

STEPS Education and Training are currently looking for teachers as passionate as Jasmine to help refugees and humanitarian migrants learn English, along with other important skills for future study, employment, and successful settlement in Australia.

National training manager Joel Stevens said there were several opportunities on offer for permanent and casual teachers, as well as volunteer support staff keen to give back to the community and develop their tutoring skills.

For those considering applying for a teaching role with STEPS, Jasmine has some thoughtful advice;

“Mix a spoon of love and respect with your role and take some lessons from their experiences as much as you can”.

To find out more about becoming an AMEP teacher and to apply visit https://edutemps.com.au/jobs/amep-teachers-permanent-and-casuals-601549/

STEPS Skills for Education and Employment (SEE) students have been experiencing some hands-on learning in the Tjuwanpa women’s carpentry group, where they have been building their own furniture.

After dedicating time to learn and develop their carpentry skills, student have so far constructed beds, tables, and chairs, cabinets, mirrors, and even a cubbyhouse.

With no furniture stores in the small, remote community, Hermannsburg locals have few options: either travel 130 kilometres to Alice Springs, pay the costly transport delivery fees, or go without basic furnishings.

Students of the women’s carpentry group have found another option; they can build it themselves.

The program lets students decide on what type of furniture they would like to build: then they design, plan and construct it, before taking it home.

STEPS SEE trainer Maryanne Cameron teaches language, literacy and numeracy and helps assist students in the carpentry group.

Maryanne said most of our students are quickly whipping up items each week.

“Last week one of our students made a chair for her seven year old and then a table for her this week.”

“One of the most amazing projects, was a great, big, huge cubby house. That was the largest item I’ve seen built so far,” she said.

Maryanne said the carpentry group provides contextualised learning for students.

“We write safety rules, instructions on how to use power tools, and a lot of numeracy, like measuring and other maths skills.”

“Because there is a direct practical application it’s so much easier to learn,” she said.

STEPS provides training in collaboration with the Remote Jobs and Communities Program (RJCP).

STEPS Skills for Education and Employment (SEE) program students regularly volunteer at The Power of Pallets, an organisation that turns old timber pallets into furniture for charity.

SEE trainer Moira Kenny said the students, who are mostly refugees and migrants, benefit greatly from volunteering at the workshop saying it boosted their job-ready skills including workplace health and safety, communication and team work.

“The Power of Pallets is one of those organisations that ticks so many ‘feel good’ boxes.

“It’s all about upcycling timber pallets that would otherwise go into landfill and the students enjoy giving back to the community through their efforts,” she said.

The students help to pull the pallets apart, oil the timber, create stage props for the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair and make furniture which is donated to those in need including victims of domestic violence.

The community-based organisation also holds regular fundraisers auctioning off exceptional furniture and art pieces with money donated to local causes.

The college open day gave students the opportunity to meet their fellow students and check out their new modern campus where they will be living for 12 months while they undertake the intensive training course.

STEPS Pathways College will teach young people with a disability skills and confidence for a lifetime of independence through combined living and practical learning experiences, a model that is set to change the state of living for people with a disability in Australia.

The college is the brainchild of STEPS Managing Director Carmel Crouch who has been involved in the disability sector for 30 years and has worked with thousands of young people and their families to improve independence for people with a disability.

“This is a really proud moment for STEPS,” Ms Crouch said.

“I’m looking forward to seeing these wonderful young people graduate in a year’s time with the ability to live independently in the community,” she said.

Paul Amerena, whose son Tom is among the first group of students to enrol at the college, said he and his family have been waiting excitedly for this moment come.

“There’s never been this opportunity anywhere,” he said. “It’s just fantastic.”

STEPS Skills for Education and Employment (SEE) students in Gunbalanya are sharing indigenous stories through a book writing project.

The budding authors are excited to see their book, which is about fishing, hunting and bush tucker in the local region, starting to come together.

The initiative fosters literacy, numeracy and project management skills which will help with future workplace and learning tasks, while also nurturing the local indigenous culture.

SEE trainer Cecily Petherick said the project has helped some students who were quite shy to come out of their shell.

“It’s something that’s relevant to them,” she said.

Cecily said the idea for the book was inspired by the students’ love for sharing their way of life, local recipes and knowledge of the region with the greater community.

“We like to share our stories about what we do,” one of the students said. “It makes us happy.”

Once finished, the book’s chapters will describe many local plants and animals, where they are found, Kunwinjku language translations and stories about the flora and fauna.

Located on Elcho Island just off the coast of the Northern Territory, Galiwinku is home to the Yolngu people. With clear, blue ocean beyond the coastline and dense bushland, the island community has about 2000 residents.

Nicole’s role in Galiwinku can change from one day to the next: from 4-wheel-driving in the bush to traditional basket weaving, from teaching cooking to soap making.

Basket weaving and organic soap making are two projects that the community has come on board with. Providing contextualised training, these projects promote learning skills such as planning, working within a team and problem solving.

Nicole said the women’s weaving group has been quite successful.

“I have a group of women that do some traditional weaving. We weave baskets and wall hangings and go into the bush and collect all the roots and plants that are needed.”

Nicole said it can take time to engage students and gain trust but one of the best parts of her job is when people build new skills.

Nicole said another great aspect of her job is the connections she has made.

“It takes a long time and so I feel like the best part of my job is the genuine relationships that I form.”

Nicole said as a consequence of these relationships she gains insight into culture but this is something else that takes time.

“Culture doesn’t just get given out and shown, you have to be around it and learn it slowly, and that’s something I treasure.”

When Nicole was first settling into life in Galiwinku she faced her own set of challenges.

“You have to have patience up here. I’m okay now but when I first started I think it was probably the most challenging aspect of my job because life has a different rhythm, and if you don’t learn to match that rhythm then you won’t get much done.”

“There are about two thousand people that live here, so you have to make sure you are abiding by cultural rules all the time.”

For those who are thinking about working with STEPS in Galiwinku, Nicole suggests that you consider the reality of living and working in remote communities as often people romanticise the job.

She said there are social problems in Galiwinku.

“I think, invariably, if you live here that is going to be a part of your reality. You’ve got to have patience and be prepared to work hard as well.”

Besides the frequent crocodile sightings, Nicole enjoys the quiet life, most of her down-time is spent walking on the beach, cooking for friends and reading.

“You don’t get the entertainment of the city, you have got to learn to entertain yourself and be happy in your own space.”

Nicole said the environment can be challenging.

“Sometimes it can be very physically demanding, you have to be quite independent and quite strong,” she said.

Despite the challenges, Nicole said she loves the wildlife and nature in Galiwinku.

“It’s beautiful living out here, geographically it’s stunningly beautiful. Every day I drive to work and drive past a really beautiful view of the ocean.”

The Hobart classrooms were brought to life with students dressed in traditional clothes and tables filled with plates of homemade celebrational food from around the world.

The STEPS site is truly a global community with staff and students from many countries abroad including Ethiopia, Iran, Afghanistan, Bhutan, Nepal, Croatia and New Zealand.

SEE Training Coordinator Jessica Gravell said she loves working in a diverse environment and seeing everyone unintentionally teach others about their cultures and languages.

“It’s always about food and drink that we learn a lot about their culture. It really brings people together,” she said.

Students enjoyed sharing their foods and explaining what they were and how they are typically eaten.

The diversity of the STEPS community and the opportunity to celebrate our cultures truly creates an enriching learning experience for all involved.

The garden saw Federal Member for Lingiari the Hon Mr Warren Snowden visit and the Hon Lynne Walker member Nuhlunbuy also called in. Both expressed how impressed they were with the project.

Kath Boyne from Arnhem Land Progress Association (ALPA) CDP shows the greenhouse project as a first stop when people visit the island, including 12 people from the Federal Government’s Agriculture Team exploring the Top End in 2016 this year.

“The response was very positive with the Agriculture team spending about an hour in the greenhouse examining the students work and commenting on how remarkable it was,” John said.

The Greenhouse is inspiring everyone in the community and people are now growing things at home after seeing the students work.

As part of the process of forming the garden the students were reading about how plants are grown, writing about growing techniques and companion planting, following instructions on how to plant seeds, the depth to sow them, how far apart and more.

“Everyone made great improvements in reading, writing and numeracy without effort,” STEPS Trainer John Bateup said.

“Indeed, I think it was a pleasure for them to learn while achieving an impressive eco initiative.”

One of our keen Greenhouse students Jacob Balbunhamirri said the project is ‘myanmac’ (really good).

“We learn so much about plants and how to grow vegetables, it really is learning things I never knew about before,” he said.

“I am growing vegetables, this word which I can now spell correctly is really helping me with my learning more about my reading, writing and maths.”

As part of the first harvest the students and staff of STEPS have been enjoying their own rocket with curried egg sandwiches. They’ve also been growing beans, tomatoes, capsicums from plants and seeds.

“This project has been free from any issues and provides a great interactive, inspirational and satisfying learning environment,” John said.

“The students are beaming over this project and it just gets bigger and better.

“They have laboured for hours with pen and paper as well as rake and spade in making the greenhouse a huge success.

“We have now been so successful that the students have run out of room and needed to make a vegetable and flower garden outside the greenhouse.

“Pot plants are now hanging at the front of the ALPA CDP building and everyone is very proud of their work.”

The greenhouse uses 100mm PVC pipe with 75mm diameter holes for the plants at 300mm intervals with mulched soil as a growing medium and drip irrigation.

The elders are talking about reviving the ‘Grandfather and Grandmother Market Garden’ industries on Milingimbi of former times too.

Mr Keith Lapulung a Director of ALPA is very keen to see the project expand to a commercial enterprise. He is the Chairperson of the Gattjirrk Yolngu Aboriginal Corporation and they are to have meeting about the idea based on the inspiration of the Milingimbi Greenhouse.

Milingimbi Island is the largest island of the Crocodile Islands group off the coast of Arnhem Land, Northern Territory, Australia.

Gao came to STEPS to improve her language, literacy and numeracy skills and has just finished the Skills for Education and Employment Program (SEE) and Foundation Skills Program with huge success: A job!

STEPS trainer Angela Murphy said when Gao first started at STEPS, she was quite shy and had difficulties engaging with others.

“She tended to hide in the back corner of the classroom, but she had a fantastic sense of humour!,” she said.

“We were able to slowly bring Gao out of her shell, encouraging her to sit with her classmates and mix more.

“Her confidence began to grow and she started speaking and giving opinions during group discussions more and more.”

One day Gao came to class and announced she had been offered a casual position at a local Thai restaurant. She was beaming with confidence and her classmates were very proud of her.

Despite the success, she still wanted to complete her 800 hours at STEPS while working at the restaurant in the evenings. It was a big commitment and she was often tired when she came to class, but her hope was that she would full-time work once her studies had finished.

“Not only has Gao gained confidence and life skills, but she is also now earning money and enjoying the reward of buying clothes and getting a drivers licence,” Angela said.

“Gao has made steady progress during her time at STEPS and her skills have improved dramatically, especially in the areas of writing and oral communication.

“She has gained greater confidence from all she’s learned at STEPS and was able to create a resume, write cover letters and be assertive enough to ask questions from people to form the pathways she needs to obtain employment.”

Gao’s new found confidence and independence since joining STEPS has been deeply rewarding for all of those around her and we wish her the best of luck in her career ambitions.

Our Casuarina trainer Ranald Anderson put together worksheets and questions for the students to complete during the excursion and even purchased a large temperature gauge so they could measure the weather temperatures in different locations.

We’re very grateful to our amazing guide Graeme Kenyon from the Wetlands centre, who made our students and staff feel very welcome.

He not only talked about the country we visited, but also spoke about employment pathways in the conservation and tourism industries.

When the STEPS trainer asked the students what they thought of the experience, the group agreed they really enjoyed the excursion because it helped them think about jobs they could do in the future, especially working in conservation as a ranger.

“We had clipboards and wrote down different types of jobs we noticed people were doing on our drive to the wetlands, such as truck drivers, roadside workers, gardeners and delivery drivers,” STEPS student Fonda Wellard said.

“We loved seeing the animals in the wetlands and learning all about them,” she said.

“It was an interesting day and we enjoyed having a picnic lunch and liked learning, laughing and talking together. We had a very fun time!”

The group continued the project back at the classroom with drawing of bush animals and working together to create a large, beautifully coloured snake.

The were also required to work out costs of the excursion, how to read weather temperatures, interpreting job plans plus detailed writing and oral discussion and story sharing in the classroom.

About Window on the Wetlands

The Wetlands centre provides interactive displays explaining the Aboriginal and European histories of the area and its ecology, seasonal changes and the abundant wildlife of the northern coastal wetlands. The centre is located at one of the highest points overlooking the Adelaide River floodplains.

‘Miss Piggy’ comes right to the door of our trainer Philip’s accommodation grunting something we think means ‘hey, what’s good to eat around here?’

The much loved Miss Piggy is the Tjuwanpa Resource Centre’s Pig. This is a separate area from Hermannsburg and was set up to service the outstations with about 200 people living in little communities around the main townships.

The school kids love playing with Miss Piggy who cruises around the town looking for snacks.

STEPS Trainer Philip Allnutt is currently working at Tjuwanpa teaching driver’s licence training to our clients in the region.

About Ntaria

Hermannburg is also known as Ntaria in western Aranda language and is an Aboriginal community in Ljirapinta Ward in the Northern Territory of Australia, 125km southwest of Alice Springs.

The area was established as an Aboriginal mission in 1877 by two Lutheran missionaries of the Hermannsburg Mission from Germany, who had travelled from Bethany in the Barossa Valley in South Australia.

STEPS celebrates the rich history of vernacular literacy in the community which had early beginnings. The recent ‘Western Arrarnta Picture Dictionary’ published in 2006 is just one publication in a long tradition of reading and writing in the local Aboriginal language.

“It was so hot and humid when my husband and I arrived there in March 2014,” Marianne said.

“You’d be constantly sweating all the time and had to be in air conditioning as much as possible. I wasn’t used to being in that much heat all the time, but eventually adjusted.”

“I actually hadn’t met many aboriginal people before, so one of the first things I felt was that it was a totally different culture.”

About the students

All the students Marianne taught in Derby were indigenous men who were agriculture workers or held community jobs like mowing public areas and were ‘pretty easy going and didn’t fuss’.

“The students were always polite and seemed to be quite accepting of me being a stranger there,” she said.

After that group, Marianne worked with men on a building construction course and on a civil construction course working and diggers and excavators etc.

“I learned heaps about building because they were building a house and I was with them every day.”

Since her start in Derby Marianne has travelled to many remote parts of the country, often on very poor roads with little or no signage, over crocodile infested waters in the Northern Territory and out to cattle stations where the land is clear and flat as far as the eye can see.

“At Myroodah (north of Broome) there were always frogs in my toilet,” Marianne said.

“There is very limited mobile and internet at most the places I’ve worked too, but if you’re out on a station you really can do with out it because you’re normally there just two days.”

Animal life experiences

Another time Marianne stepped out of her donga type accommodation in rural Queensland and the entire ground outside was covered with green tree frogs everywhere she could see.

“There are often horses, cattle, kangaroos on the roads so you’ve always got to be prepared for wildlife,” she said.

“You could encounter all sorts of animal life like lizards, snakes, mozzies, frogs, crocodiles and dingoes.

“One time I was pulling into a station outside Port Douglas in far north Queensland and there was a HUGE bull right behind the fence next to the gate I had to open and drive through.

“There was no choice– I had to go through or be stuck there with no way to communicate, so I held my breath, kept an eye on his mood and moved very, very slowly to open the gate and drive past.”

Learning about Australia and culture

Going to many different places and learning ‘heaps’ about the unique culture of rural Australia is a big part of the job Marianne loves.

“There have been events I get to go to like mud crab and frog races, rodeos and just things that aren’t in the city,” she said

“It’s also giving me a better understanding of the Aboriginal culture because they’re the ones I’m teaching,”

“They’ve told me a lot about how they hunt and fish and it seems they all do it from little kids through to grown ups.

“They also love music and dancing and singing – at Derby there was a festival and older ladies were up and dancing which I loved watching.

Mr Whelan joins one of Australia’s fastest growing industries with more than one million people in Australia receiving aged care services and the number is expected to rise to over 3.5 million older people by 2050. But he isn’t in it for the job opportunities alone.

“Just giving someone a smile makes a big difference – there’s a lot of knowledge in older people that we don’t always make the time to listen to and that was part of the appeal of this industry for me,” he said.

“During [work] placement I was giving care the way I want my parents to receive it one day.”

Mr Whelan completed a Certificate III in Aged Care and a Certificate III in Disability with STEPS Education and Training at Caloundra last week and said he was looking forward to the change from hospitality to aged care and ‘making a positive difference in people’s lives.’

“Just talking to the oldies was such a highlight; my favourite area was working in the dementia ward– they knew something was wrong and so it was rewarding to put a smile on their face. It makes their day,” he said.

On the Sunshine Coast, the health and community services field is one of the largest with more than 20,100 people employed and numbers steadily growing by 34% on the Sunshine Coast since 2007.

Mr Whelan’s cohort has had great success securing employment, often before finishing the course.

Another STEPS graduate Brenda Pratt just gained employment with Kin Care providing home and community care across the region.

She said aged care teacher Wendy Nunn encouraged students to get out there before finishing and provided support on what to do.

“Wendy’s so inspiring and empowering and positive – basically think of every amazing word and she’s it!” she said.

“Doing this course feels so right in my life.

“Being a carer you feel blessed– it’s such a privilege and there’s nothing better than being appreciated and hugged.

“Each day ends on such a happy note.”

Mr Whelan said he was the youngest in his class by about 10 years, but being young doesn’t mean you can’t do the work.

“You’re never too young to work in this industry – young people don’t understand what it involves, so it’s worth checking it out to find out more,” he said.

“I’ve come a long way from working in hospitality to doing this. Anything’s possible if you give it a go.”

It was decided that a Seat of Learning should be created using an unused bench seat in the yard to be placed under a large Tamarind Tree put there by the Macassans of Indonesia hundreds of years ago.

Building the Seat of Learning provided an excellent way for the men to put new learning into practice while continuing to learn during work on the project.

The men decided to have these lessons outdoors, enjoying their cultural preference to learn in a natural setting, while utilising their language, literacy and numeracy skills such as metric measurements and expanding their reading and writing abilities.

The tree casts a cooling shade at midday directly facing the sea, giving a beautiful breeze to supplement student learning.

The group went about digging the post holes, concreting the seat into place using a level tool and metric tape measures.

Part of the learning incorporated metric volumes for water. All important use of ratios were also put into practice to mix the cement and water.

After a lot of hot, sweaty work, the group felt a strong sense of achievement with the whole Milingimbi community now bringing their families to sit under the shade and enjoy the sea breeze at the Seat of Learning at the STEPS Training Centre Milingimbi.

Milingimbi Island is the largest island of the Crocodile Islands group off the coast of Arnhem Land, Northern Territory, Australia

As a way of encouraging indigenous men to get involved in literacy and numeracy activities, the students have been taking part in a major practical project to support learning outcomes.

No one expected the educational adventure they would all go on over the past seven months, or the possibilities for the community stemming from the endeavour.

Having arrived in Derby in July last year, Training Manager Mo Maud noticed a range of aquaponics equipment left on site from a previous horticulture course with several tanks, containers, pumps and other material not in use.

Local Men’s Shed supervisor, Warren said he wanted to use the materials for their purpose, so Mo researched the subject thoroughly and printed out options for setting up and using the equipment.

Warren had the men test the pumps and the group all watched some videos to compare what was shown with the diagrams printed out and discuss the principles of the aquaponics system.

“It was a really interesting and a hugely enjoyable journey for everyone to learn about aquaponics and how these systems work in such a multipurpose way,” Mo said.

HOW IT WORKS

Fish are kept in tanks with their waste dissolving into the water forming a weak ammonia, which is then pumped out into soilless vegetable grow beds. Bacteria in the vegetable beds converts the ammonia into nitrates (fertiliser) which the plants benefit from immensely. The plants also clean the water for the fish, which flows back into the fish tank, so the whole set up forms a loop.

“The group are still learning and improving by experimenting and researching,” Mo said.

“Growing seedlings without soil and in this climate is a big challenge!”

“Most are grown under controlled conditions, in greenhouses or indoors with artificial light, so when the group achieved success through their own ideas, the men took great pride in the outcome.”

To get started, six cichlid (convict fish) were bought from the nursery in Broome with the men also keen to supply fish for another tank themselves. They used nets and went to Willare Bridge, which is about 80km from Derby. The river bed had a lot of pools and they brought back three varieties of fish and a couple of cherubin, (fresh water prawns).

“The men have been very enterprising too,” Mo said.

“They took a large old esky to bring the fish back in and aerated the water on the return journey by using a hose with a funnel attached, held outside the car window!”

For plants in the vegetable growing beds, the group started off with lettuces with mixed success, before working out the best process and noting it down. Late last year they planted some silverbeet and kangkong (water spinach) seedlings from their mini shade house which re really taking off now.

LITERACY AND NUMERACY IN ACTION

Along the way the men measured and calculated for construction, costed materials and discussed and evaluated various ideas reinforcing their literacy and numeracy skills immensely.

They read about fish and plants for the mini ecosystem they created and how other people have done it. They also watched instructional videos for setting up and maintaining the system and recorded germination periods and success rates for different seeds and growing mediums. The men became fairly engaged in internet research too, looking up information sheets and completing questionnaires.

“There was plenty for the men to write about using the photos and experience, but while the practical tasks kept everyone busy outside, some paperwork was done indoors in air-conditioning, which is a welcome break in the WA heat!,” Mo said.

COMMERCIAL FUTURE

Winun Ngari Aboriginal Corporation supplied the building materials and was behind the men all the way. They are hoping to set up commercial scale aquaponics systems¸ greenhouses and native fruit orchards in Derby.

It is hoped the men can help them in the future since they already have some knowledge. The scheme is intended to one day go out to the communities to make them self-sufficient with much of their food and to have the ability to sell food in commercial quantities.

Experts came from the Eastern states to see the proposed set up, and while in town visited the Derby class’s aquaponics. They were surprised and pleased with the group’s experimental approach, especially as no one involved had any knowledge of the field before starting.

Congratulations to all involved in creating such a remarkable, functioning aquaponics system while supporting the literacy and numeracy development of the men and a sprit of teamwork!

More than 30 ethnic groups are represented at STEPS Education and Training in Cairns with over 70 students from nations like Thailand, Burma, Cambodia, Africa and several Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander groups at Fogarty Park to play and watch the games, while getting to know each other more and the different cultures they share.

Following the games, more than 100 students enjoyed eating a range of international dishes for lunch from their culture or of special meaning for their family with many to wear traditional dress.

In support of the Day’s message of ‘inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for all’ an indigenous student and a Burmese student performed digeridoo and guitar together.

“I think days like this really benefit the students and the community as it breaks down a lot of barriers and gets people trying different foods and the conversations going,” Jessica Bulleid, STEPS Education & Training work experience coordinator said.

“Our students tend to stick with their own groups at lunch and can feel a bit shy, so it’s really wonderful to see people asking about different foods, mixing with each other and sharing of recipes – it really breaks down communication barriers and forms lasting friendships and new understanding.

“I think Harmony Day is one of the most important days for all Australians because it really does celebrate the differences, rather than see them in a negative light.”

Ms Bulleid added that from an employment point of view, bringing the community together and celebrating diversity, helps break down cultural differences in the workplace which is important in Cairns with so many different ethnicities in the area.

Cambodian English language student Keang Heng came to Australia in 2009 and is improving her writing and reading with STEPS. She hopes to work in aged care as she loves the elderly and took care of her adoptive parents in their old age in Cambodia.

“Harmony Day is exciting – it’s really good because you see so many people from many different cultures wearing different costumes,” she said.

“The Australian people are very kind, very nice people and I would like to live here until I die.”

Learning up to sixty new words each week, Ms Heng was delighted to recently learn what ‘peaceful’ meant and how much it links with the celebrations of diversity and inclusiveness for Harmony Day this week.

“Thank you for STEPS in helping me to improve my English – I’m very thankful. Very grateful,” Ms Heng said.

“I hope one day I can read and write properly.”

While attending STEPS, Nick continuously showed his dedication to improving his LLN skills. His trainer Donna said, “he is always keen to learn about others and to participate in class activities”. His dedication to improving his math skills was evident as he would “work for hours” practicing his maths.

Nick’s dedication to learning and high attendance levels saw him nominated for the Cairns Work Experience Program. In fact, he was the first student in the program to participate in a placement. The Work Experience Program gave Nick the opportunity to work on the core employ-ability skills and relevant industry knowledge needed for Butchery.

Nick did his placement at a wonderful family owned and operated company called Cairns Bulk Meats, located in Ishmael Road, Earlville. The Edmonds family has been supplying high quality meat, poultry and small goods to the North for 5 generations. This industry experience made Cairns Bulk Meats a perfect environment for Nick to learn in. During his placement Nick was able to observe key tasks and protocols of being a butcher. It also gave him the opportunity to utilise the skills practiced in the classroom and implement them into a real workplace situation.

Nick did a great job during his Work Experience and received a wonderful evaluation from his Host Organisation. He has since been offered an apprenticeship with Cairns Bulk Meats. Such a fantastic opportunity!

Nick is a perfect example of how hard work and determination pays off. We are extremely proud of Nick and wish him all the best for the future.

Find out more about STEPS Education & Training SEE Program.

After having enrolled at STEPS Education & Training after taking time off to care for her family, Nikki is now looking to redevelop her skills and find employment in the retail industry.

Previously, Nikki worked as a waitress in Sydney. Her time in hospitality instilled in her the organisational and customer service skills she is known for and her trainer, Donna, described her as “quick thinking, well presented and well liked”. Throughout her time at STEPS she has demonstrated a continuing willingness to learn new skills, knowing this will help her to branch out into the fashion and clothing industry.

Kris Mulley, from Dear Pearl Vintage offered Nikki the chance to participate in a work experience placement at her vintage boutique. This charming boutique located in Oceana Walk on Grafton Street in Cairns stocks brands such as Voodoo Vixen, Hell Bunny and Bernie Dexter. Once you step inside Dear Pearl Vintage you will be enchanted by the range of vintage inspired frocks, jewelry and home wares.

“Nikki has been an absolute joy to have in store… Nikki would certainly be ready to take the next step…”
– Kris Mulley, Store Owner

This rare opportunity not only gave Nikki the chance to put her retail skills to the test but to also work along side an accomplished business women with years of industry knowledge to share.

At the end of her work experience, Kris gave Nikki an excellent report scoring top points in all categories – well done Nikki!

Find out about our Education and Training programs and get set on your new career today

STEPS’ Sunshine Coast based aged care training are proud to boast a 98% average for students gaining employment either during or immediately following their training.

Aged Care Trainer Wendy Nunn puts the success of the program down to a number of course design elements that have put the not for profit organisation ahead of the rest when it comes to getting results for their students.

“I would say there are a few important factors we do differently to other providers that help our students gain work”, Ms Nunn said.

“We undertake the mandatory police checks for our students so they are cleared before they enter the facility for work placement, and we incorporate a first aid qualification into our course which is also mandatory for employment.  But the thing that really sets us apart is our approach to the compulsory work placement”.

While most aged care students are required to secure their own work placement at the end of their studies, STEPS students undertake work placement throughout the duration of  their studies and are not left alone to tackle the difficult task of finding an employer willing to take them on.

Course graduate Karen Nicholson said it was a relief to many of the students to have facilities already lined up for job placement, or in her case, having the trainers arrange for placement in a facility of her choice.

“Our trainer would visit us regularly during our placement and was only a phone call away if needed, you felt supported as it can be a very daunting environment”, Ms Nicholson said.

STEPS students are also lucky to make use of one of the Sunshine Coasts only fully equipped prac room complete with mannequins, beds and a hoist to practice important handling skills.

Ms Nicholson said being able to practice real on the job skills in the classroom made her a much more productive trainee during placement allowing her to assist staff rather than being a burden.

“Wall flowers are not appreciated by busy nursing staff!”,

For information on our next Aged Care Training Courses click here

Earning the reputation as “Mr Reliable”, 17 year old Harrison McCarthy became the first indigenous youth to complete the Cairns program that aims to improve literacy and numeracy skills for further education and employment.

Harrison joined the program in October of last year to improve his reading and writing skills and has since maintained 100% attendance.

STEPS Training Coordinator Sinead Murphy, who has closely watched Harrison’s achievements over the last 10 months, said that the determination and true grit shown by Harrison in his training will make him an attractive candidate for potential employers.

Harrison is interested in pursuing a career in agriculture and has engaged in the selection process for a Certificate II in Agriculture which will see him spending several months living and working on a cattle station learning industry skills.

“Harrison is the first Indigenous youth to complete all 800 hrs of the program in one attempt here in Cairns. We at Steps are all very proud of him”, Ms Murphy said.

Of the 20 students in the class, 12 successfully secured employment well before completing the course including one young 17 year old student who is doing the course under the Year 12 Fee Free Incentive program. Another 6 have been asked to submit their resumes to the facilities once they have their qualifications (and we were told they headed straight there after graduation!)

The graduation ceremony was held at the George Street Campus and the students went to great effort to make it a special day with not one, but two, fabulous cakes and a unique musical performance from Daniel which he wrote as his way of thanking the group.

As usual, the students had nothing but praise for our exceptional trainers and Aged Care staff, Wendy and Ferne, who’s reputation in the industry is second to none and great efforts are reflected by the quality of graduates.

We wish you all the very best in starting your exciting new career path!

A common goal of all of the men who join the Ratjpa Mala class (In Yolngu language: Ratjpa: dark reddish/brown soil, Mala: group) is to learn skills in maintenance and landscaping that will help them find work, and because many of these men have a limited experience of education & employment they are also referred to the STEPS Skills for Education & Employment (SEE) program.

“Not all are excited to join the SEE program” explains STEPS trainer Sandra. “Many of the men start with quite a negative view about developing ‘ballanda’ skills such as reading and maths, but with some encouragement most will come along initially just to have a look”.

The photo above was taken during an activity around measurement. The men estimated certain distances, stepped it out, then measured using the trundle wheel. “We take every day tasks like this and turn them into learning opportunities” said Sandra. “When they see that the skills are relevant to them you can immediately see the change in attitude – and that makes everything we do worthwhile”.

Many of the men have said that they actually enjoy learning now – some have even mentioned they would like to do further training.

We are very happy for our Ratjpa Mala class and look forward to watching their confidence and ambitions grow!

Around 600 students, parents and teachers attended the event to find out more about training and education pathways for the health industry.

Together with Focus Health we spoke to students about the range of Aged Care, Health administration and Management courses that we have available. We also provided some interactive experiences including black-light hand-washing and special impaired goggles that put them in the shoes of the elderly or vision impaired.

Many of the other stall holders provided similar experiences and there were patients with phony (but very realistic!) injuries around as well which added to the fun.

All in all it was an excellent day and well worth the great effort put in by everyone involved, some photos of the day are below.

If you or anyone you know is interested in a career in health, you may be interested to know that our Aged Care courses are an excellent lead in to further training in this area and provide real employment opportunities while undertaking further studies. Find out more about Aged Care training here.

When Mervyn first came to STEPS he stressed to us that he wanted a real career, not just a job, and was keen to start a trade apprenticeship or traineeship.

He had great support with APM, a local employment agency, however he knew that he had to address his literacy and numeracy skills to improve his career opportunities – that’s where the STEPS Skills for Education & Employment (SEE) program came in.

Despite a learning disability that saw Mervyn struggle through school and eventually leave after Year 7, he leapt at the chance to take part in the program and has made exceptional progress in a short period of time.

After only one month, thanks to his hard work and to the expertise of his trainers and support staff at APM, we are thrilled to report that Mervyn has been offered a plumbing apprenticeship with a local company and has already started work.

Mervyn will continue to attend the SEE program in Cairns two days per week to work on his literacy and numeracy skills and he has lots of hard work and study ahead of him, but he has his eyes firmly on his goal as he begins his pathway towards a trade career.

We wish Mervyn all the best with the new direction he is taking in his life.

A natural singer and spokesperson with a gift for telling stories, Matthew is the lead singer and dancer in the band Reflections. He shares a rich cultural connection with his community in Milingimbi, an Island approximately half a kilometre off the north coast of Central Arnhem Land, approximately 440 km east of Darwin.

When Matthew first approached STEPS about joining the SEE program, he stressed that he wanted to engage with a bigger audience beyond Milingimbi, to be able to tell the stories of his people, the Yolgnu, to the world, only he needed the ‘ballanda’ skills of reading and writing to be able to channel the stories he feels so compelled to share.

Together with his trainer, Matthew set about doing song writing tutorials to look at the language barriers that English has for a Yolgnu person and to try to ‘bridge’, the best they could, the stories in Matthew’s “telling”. Matthew’s teacher Ciara says she feels very privileged to have Matthew in her class. “He is both resourceful and very clever” she said, “I am learning so much more about Yolgnu culture than I thought possible.”

Although it has been a series of adjustments for Matthew to create his learning pathway, he has and continues to take things in his stride. Recently we found out that all his hard work had certainly paid off when he told us of the exciting plans that he and his band have in the coming months.

In July of this year Matthew and Reflections, will be launching themselves as performing artists by supporting another local band throughout Arnhem Land and recording their very first CD. In September, at the annual Milingimbi Festival, the band will be part of a tribute concert honouring the life and musical contributions of the late Dr Yunupingu of the band Yothu Yindi. It promises to be a thoroughly memorable event by anyone’s standards, and a dream come true for Matthew who will be one of the main singers.

In Milingimbi, the Morning Star is a central emblem for this North East Arnhem Land community – and we can safely say that Matthew is the embodiment of this in every sense. Well done Matthew, or “maynmak!” excellent!

Determined to improve her language, communication and computer skills, Sherina enrolled in the STEPS Skills for Education & Employment (SEE) program in November 2013 and hasn’t looked back.

With an inquiring mind and willingness to learn, she is well liked by fellow students and staff and she is always happy to help new students and make them feel welcome. Sherina has become a keen member of the Kununurra library, reading books to learn about nutrition and get ready for the birth of her 3rd child in May. She attends every class and every activity without fail, even time managing all of her pregnancy appointments around her class times so as not to miss them.

We are sure that her increased confidence and new found skills such as touch typing, leading group discussions, writing poetry and completing fractions will help her to achieve her future employment goals and we are certain, that with the dedication, professionalism and commitment she has applied to her learning, she is already the great role model that she is seeking to be for her three children.

Keep up the great work Sherina!

Galiwin’ku is the largest community on Elcho island, about 550km north east of Darwin. Our fabulous trainer Sandra (pictured above with some of her students) delivers the Skills for Education & Training program here and is always looking for learning opportunities.

Many of her students participate in a retail/woodwork training program which operates as a small business. They learn the carpentry trade and make various items – mostly furniture which they sell locally from the second-hand shop attached to the workshop.

Students become familiar with units of measurements and mathematic concepts while learning this practical skill and Sandra creates innovative projects to increase a variety of other skills as well.

When the wooden toy trucks that the students had been working on were ready for sale, Sandra came up with the idea to create a flier to advertise them in town. The students set to work enthusiastically – it was a great project which incorporated literacy, design and digital technology skills, they also discussed costs and had a planning session around where to place the flier for maximum exposure.

Everyone was very pleased with the result and learnt in a real and relevant context, business wise, culturally and educationally.

Just have a look at what they came up with!

Tian is a Thai woman who attended school in her own country only until the age of 12. After running her own small business in a busy market place in Thailand, then moving to Australia with her husband and raising a family of three children, she has been working on a farm for a few years but realised she needed some help in learning to speak, read and write in English in order to get sustainable employment. With the help of her Job Search Agency she joined STEPS Skills for Education & Employment program and has  made wonderful progress.

The best part of all is the great increase she has had in her confidence!

With the help of Lisa, our work experience consultant, Tian was able to gain some valuable work experience time in a major hotel complex and a boutique glass-blowing jewellery store. She did so well that she has been offered some casual work with the jewellery store and in fact, her boss was so pleased with her she gave her a gift – a necklace.

Tian is a very responsible student and was always very generous with her fellow students – we wish her every opportunity in finding more work and continuing to achieving her goals.

Students in our Skills for Education and Employment (SEE) program in Hobart have begun the year with a range of activities such as researching the cricket and tennis, making bracelets/anklets, cooking, orienteering, rock climbing – even learning to use power tools!

“So how can these activities help someone with literacy and numeracy and finding a job?”,  we hear you ask…

Students gain fine dexterity skills and patience when taking part in craft activities, they also have to read instructions and often complete the activity at home reinforcing these skills. Following recipes and directions requires concentration, organisational and basic arithmatic skills and learning new things such as how to use power tools increases independence and gives foundational skills that can be built upon in the workplace.

“Thinking of new and innovative ways to keep students engaged while teaching them new skills is the essence of what we do here at STEPS” says Jess, Training Coordinator at our Hobart Office “I love seeing the students faces when we take them out for activities and they realise they are enjoying learning”.

Recent Case Studies (*note names have been changed)

Sebastian* was a very shy young man with a goal of gaining an apprenticeship in building. He had completed a certificate in construction but struggled to write application letters. Since starting with STEPS Sebastian* is alot more confident in himself, he walks into class smiling, greets everyone and is very comfortable in his surroundings. He had his first interview a week ago (with lots of practices!) and is looking forward to possibly gaining a traineeship. Massive steps forward for him!

Mary* spoke very little English when she was referred to us, her confidence levels were low and she was unsure of her goals or future plans. After a little over a month with us she now confidently speaks in front of a group and is writing full sentences. Although she will be missed, we are happy to report that Mary* is no longer with STEPS – instead, she is working full time in a local hotel with good prospects for her future.

The students came from all walks of life, with different ages, life experience and 5 different cultures –  and all had a goal of changing their career.   Linda Barton who started the course as a mature-aged student with little computer skills said “This course was an investment for a change in my career path and learning with Wendy at STEPS has opened up a whole new world of possibilities”.

This is not the first time that the STEPS Aged Care course has had such a successful outcome. Nearly every course over the past few years has had a greater than 95% strike rate for employment. Student Vicki Hudson was one of the students who found the course to be “enjoyable, valuable, beneficial and very thorough”.

Recently released statistics show that the Community Services Industry is currently the largest employer on the Sunshine Coast with a large number of opportunities in the aged care facilities.

The students completed 15 weeks of in-class training and practical work experience in a reputable aged care facility from June to September.  They were extremely grateful to their trainer Wendy Nunn who shared her immense knowledge and experience in the aged care industry.  Wendy used her highly regarded reputation within the local aged care industry to ensure that every student received a suitable placement in facilities close to where they live. This allowed the student to successfully complete their workplace training and then be offered, and happily accept, paid employment.

During the graduation ceremony Wendy said that she was extremely pleased that all the students have become competent AINs (Assistants in Nursing) and represented themselves and STEPS so well in the community.  Wendy said  “This group of students worked extremely well together and were  dedicated to finishing and getting employment at the end”.

200km north west of Alice Springs, Laramba is just one of the remote communities that STEPS offers Aged Care training. This Certificate II qualification has helped the staff to maintain their employment at the Laramba Aged Care facility and allows them to continue with their training and go on to Achieve their Certificate III in Aged Care.

Certificates were presented by Gail (STEPS Trainer) then, after some short speeches from staff and also from the Aged Care coordinator for the community, Terry (STEPS Project Coordinator) had the job of cooking the barbeque for all those present. “It was a great day..” said Terry “..and was evidence of the ongoing commitment of STEPS to this project, and to the advancement of workers at similar remote facilities throughout the Northern Territory.”

Students in STEPS Darwin, Palmerston and Tennant Creek Language and Literacy & Numeracy Program have taken their own journey across the Arts in the lead up to National Literacy & Numeracy week next week.

Adult Literacy and Numeracy students who learn about visual arts develop a better understanding of applying concepts related to space and measurement, such as size, length, distance, volume and time. Students learn about budgeting, costs, ordering, stocktaking, managing money and banking. They can learn about purchasing or selling creative products, marketing processes, workplace health and safety and sustainability when running a business privately or within the community.

STEPS delivers the Federal Governments newly badged “Skills for Education and Employment Program (SEE)” throughout the Territory from communities in the Remote Top End down to Tennant Creek and Alice Springs. General Manager for Education & Training, Shelly Campbell, says the success of the program has been partly due to the innovative ways in which our fantastic trainers go about providing experiences and opportunities to develop skills in real world practical situations.

Darwin and Palmerston students recently planned an excursion to local Art Galleries. The students researched the locations of galleries using internet, mapping and reading skills, then planned the walk  adhering to health and safety regulations and increasing their community engagement skills. They discussed and documented the type of art and cultural influences and used new skills in time, distance, numeracy and money to plan the event,  accounting for how long the excursion would take, the number of students and any costs.

From our trainer:

Whilst on the excursion the students were very mindful of respecting different cultures and the community of Darwin. Our students made a positive link to the Darwin community each person behaved with respect and greatly appreciated chatting with owners of the shop and the artists. They asked questions and showed interest in different art forms and willingly shared their experience with the Darwin community.

The excursion took them to a variety of art galleries to extend their understanding of art styles this included Paul Arnold Photo Gallery, Territory Colours, Maningrida Arts, Mason Gallery and Muk, Muk Gallery.  Territory Colours Gallery praised Jane for her wonderful art which is often sold at their gallery. Maningrida Gallery paid recognition to Genevieve’s family who sells beautiful woven items as their gallery.

The students returned from the excursion full of enthusiasm they discussed their experiences whilst creating their own paintings during class. Next week during National Literacy and Numeracy week the students will reflect on their experiences of linking The Arts with Culture. They will use their literacy skills to write / type and research how they feel about the arts and culture, what The Arts mean to them and their experiences on the excursion.

Related News Article: Art, culture give students further skills (NT News, July 2013)

Tekoa was with us full time for 12 months and worked within several of our teams in our Sunshine Coast offices. She gained a diverse range of skills and knowledge in the administration field and undertook duties such as filing, scanning, handling incoming & outgoing mail, reception, photocopying, and providing administrative support with various projects and events.

“Mentoring the trainees, working closely with them and assisting with completing their units was inspiring for me” said Stacey, STEPS’ Administration Manager “I got a true reflection of what they learnt during their time with us and seeing their progress and results was not only rewarding for me but also for STEPS as an organisation”

Tekoa has even surprised herself with how quickly she has found work. “I finished my traineeship on Tuesday, I had an interview on Thursday and started my new job on Friday!” she told us excitedly at the time.

We are very happy to hear that Tekoa has recently been promoted and given more responsibility and is loving her new career!

Good on you Tekoa!

The photo above is of her accepting her graduation certificate in March, with Football Player Simon Black and AFL Sports Ready Team Member Eddie Sansbury

Students, staff, family and friends got involved to celebrate cultural diversity and respect for all those who call Australia home.  We discovered that between staff and students, 30 different nationalities are represented at our STEPS Cairns site.

Our students spent many hours practising traditional songs and music, making flags and cooking up a storm for all to enjoy on the day.  Among some of the delightful dishes available to sample were kangaroo meat, crocodile meat, pasta, curry, lamingtons and kup muri (cooked underground at a secret location!).

We were entertained by beautiful dancing from the Cook Islands, a colourful choreographed dance from West Papua and traditional Aboriginal dancing complete with didgeridoo and body art.  We also had the pleasure of listening to our literacy students perform traditional Cook Island songs (with crowd participation) and a rendition of a Bhutanese love song and dance performed by our language students.  Students then showcased their traditional dress in the fashion parade segment of the day.

Thanks to all our students, their family and their friends for providing the excellent food and entertainment we were privileged to enjoy this Harmony Day.  Such a talented bunch we have!

Harmony Day is managed by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship and coincides with the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. It was held on March 21st in 2013.

Since November 2010 the trainees had been involved in the Coastal Conservation Green Army project, funded by the Australian Government and run by STEPS as part of the Indigenous Employment Program.

Five of the trainees undertook activities in Conservation & Land Management including monitoring the bio-diversity of beaches and rocky foreshores, fencing, and revegetation as part of the Certificate III in Conservation & Land Management. The remaining trainee worked from the offices of the South East Queensland Traditional Owners Association (SEQTOA) performing administrative duties related to the program as part of the Certificate III in Business Administration.

All were provided with the opportunity to attend a motivation and job preparation workshop and were given the necessary skills to develop resumes and application techniques and to understand employer expectations and appropriate workplace behaviours. This job preparation support will be essential in assisting the trainees to find employment now they have their qualifications and the program is completed.

This experience also granted the trainees valuable knowledge and insight into their cultural heritage and the opportunity to link with the Traditional Elders of the region.

She accepted her award at a function held by the Department of Education and Training. Sonia started her Certificate III Business Administration Traineeship with CADET in April 2008, working with Spiral Inc – a disability organisation in Nambour. At 35-years-old Sonia has proven that you can continue to learn and develop skills through life. As part of her acceptance speech, Sonia thanked her then Manager at Spiral, Kathryn Kalogerakis, for her support and encouragement. Kathryn is now Manager of STEPS’ Nambour Branch. Another STEPS/CADET trainee, 19-year-old Lydia Watson was a finalist in the same category and works for the Bank of Queensland in Maroochydore. She completed a Certificate III in Business Administration.

For the indigenous Australians in these parts, English may be their fourth, fifth or sixth language. Besides teaching and training, trainers in these remote areas of Australia are taking a myriad of supplementary courses to skill them for their life-changing roles in their varied and often unique workplaces. Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLNP) classes have begun at Gunyungara (Ski Beach) community about 12 km outside of Nhulunbuy. Classes are supporting delivery of Certificate I in Retail based on activities of the plant nursery and Certificate I in Resources and Infrastructure.

The daily life of trainers and students is very fluid and evolving as Community Development Employment Project (CDEP) participants are encouraged to move into employment at the community. It is still a challenge to find participants to make up full classes but there is good commitment shown by existing class members.

STEPS staff have painted up an old room to use as a base but nothing is as good as outside under a tree.

STEPS Training is currently installing Interactive Distance Learning (IDL) facilities in Milingimbi. This satellite medium means that the learner in remote Milingimbi (about 500 km east of Darwin) will no longer be deprived of modern education facilities, methods, practices and opportunities that urban people often take for granted.

Training courses can now be delivered into Milingimbi via satellite from anywhere in Australia or elsewhere in the world. Learners (up to 12) each have a PC to send and receive information to and from their trainer, as well as cameras for the trainer to see the students.

New government legislation will make it compulsory for disability service workers to have completed a Certificate IV in Disability Services by 2012 in order to work in their fields. This partnership has already made great strides to getting staff members to the level required.

The Northern Territory regional coordinator of Healthscope Community Programs (a division of Healthscope Ltd) Liz  Taylor was the catalyst behind the decision to make an early move to upskill existing staff working in the care of disabled people, and she contacted STEPS Training about providing training. “Liz rang the office looking for ideas regarding basic training and upskilling for her staff. She was working with a new team who were providing community services in Darwin via Healthscope,” says David, a STEPS trainer who works with Healthscope staff to help them gain the Certificate IV qualifications. “Liz manages a group of staff who work in services for people with a disability and we introduced her to a range of courses that we provide. We discussed the Productivity Places Program with her, which is a government initiative to have people upskill and prepare them to work in the disability sector.”

The first group of seven Healthscope staff began the certificate shortly before Christmas last year and are now nearing completion of the course, with two of the units provided by STEPS Training. In addition to the assistance with the specifics of the qualification, STEPS Training provides Healthscope staff with support on a weekly basis, and that extra help was the key behind Liz’s decision to contact STEPS in the first place. “We were looking at providing further education internally to keep up to date with skills and experiences needed in the work space,” she said. “When we called STEPS, David came out to the house and discussed the different options of training courses we could do. STEPS Training have been wonderful in helping us achieve our goals and helping me support my staff.”

Liz says her staff in Darwin are working with many patients with early stage dementia, which requires staff to be upskilled in this area. With increasing numbers of residents with a disability admitted to Healthscope Community Programs residential services, the new skills learned through the Certificate IV in Disability Services are more important than ever to Healthscope.

Her work at the facility is one more step in a lifetime of achievements for the energetic young woman who speaks English and two Aboriginal languages. Being partially blind since four-years-old, Marjorie also reads and writes in Braille.

Previously unemployed, an encounter with two trainers from STEPS led to Marjorie’s appointment at the aged care facility. Mark Laxton is a STEPS trainer who specialises in Home and Community Care (HACC), and Tim O’Dea trains in Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN). By chance, the two visited the Harts Range community together, and noticed Majorie’s enrolment for training. By putting their heads together and adjusting their teaching methods to suit, Mark and Tim trained Marjorie in Certificate II in Community Services, a prerequisite for employment at the aged care facility.

Through a process of verbal assessment and working alongside Marjorie, Mark was able to assess Marjorie against the certificate units. “It is these outcomes that make the work we do worth the effort,” said trainer Mark. “Being able to facilitate someone’s capacity to gain employment or move forward with their lives is worth all the energy and time in the world.”

STEPS’ trainers, working across 15 or so communities throughout Northern Territory, are renowned for their adaptability to suit each community and individual need, gaining government recognition for their work. Enthusiastic students like Marjorie are reaping the benefits. Despite her disability, Marjorie is a keen student and sportsperson, having previously earned a Diploma of Language from the Bachelor Institute, and won multiple medals for athletics at the Pan Pacific Games.

Tennant Creek is about 500 km north of Alice Springs, and 1000 km south of Darwin, with a population of around 3000. From its central office in the town’s main street, STEPS offers government-funded services to a number of Aboriginal communities in the surrounding area. Some are up to three hours drive away, and only accessible by four-wheel-drive. Conditions during Summer become extreme, with heat approaching 50 degrees.

The unique landscape in and around Tennant Creek are matched by the unique challenges it presents to community organisations. “We spend a lot of time travelling and looking for people,” said Le-Anne, explaining that the nomadic nature of many Indigenous people and the wide open spaces often made delivering programs challenging. Due to the travel needed, trips to communities often require STEPS trainers and representatives to stay in communities over a number of nights. Since starting less than 12 months ago, STEPS continues to establish links and build relationships with like-minded organisations, but is building a strong presence in the area.

Le-Anne said that in the Tennant Creek area STEPS offers employment services for people with disability, a program for ‘at-risk’ youth (Youth Connections), literacy and numeracy training, and is looking to further expand. She said there are currently opportunities for employment for those looking for adventure and a challenge. “Particularly with our youth work we are keen to work with the local Elders and mentors, because they are the ones who can really influence their community,” Le-Anne said. “The elders want the kids to get to school, have an education and move into employment, so we really want them involved with the programs. “Tennant Creek is a great community, and for those with a passion to empower others, looking for a challenge and have a ‘never-give-up’ attitude, it’s a great place to work. “Your not going to solve all the problems here, but there is so much opportunity to make a difference to people’s lives.”

The 20-odd Indigenous folk regularly attending the centre come from a number of communities around the Alice, but all have a common interest in art.

Four days a week, the artists come together at the Centre, not only to paint, but to be trained in life skills that will ultimately give them greater independence. Every day is different at the Centre. One day the artists may be working on a canvas, the next day learning how to read a recipe, and planning a trip to the shopping centre to buy ingredients. Centre Manager, Katrina, said that the Interactive Art Centre is a new venture, funded by the Federal Government, designed to empower a new generation of artist and showcase their work.

Located in a tourist precinct next to the Royal Flying Doctors, the centre is currently serving as a training facility, skilling the participants in numeracy, literacy and various life skills.

Eventually, the centre will become a multi-purpose precinct, also functioning as a tourist destination and art gallery. “It’s all about giving these artists the life skills to become established in their every day life and not be so restricted,” Katrina said. Eventually the centre will open to tourists, giving the artists a chance to sell their artwork. Some artists will also give hands-on Indigenous art lessons to tourists, hence the title “Interactive Art Centre”. A bush tucker garden is also planned for the centre. “We’re asking the artists to paint smaller pieces, and they will be reasonably priced, because we want the art to run out the door rather than sit for months,” said Katrina, who explained that each painting will come with a photo of the artist.

“As part of their literacy and numeracy training, we sit down with each artist and put together the story behind each painting. Everyone who buys a painting will also receive the artists photo and story.” Recipes are an important part of literacy and numeracy training. Stir fry and pea-and-ham soup have become favourites, as the artists learn to read the recipes, and then plan and budget for the shopping trip.

Learning at the centre is a two way street. Katrina said she is learning much about Aboriginal culture as she spends time with the centre’s participants. When she took the artists on a 130 km field trip in search of ininti beads (for beading work), she was given the opportunity to sample a much loved snack – kangaroo tail. “I don’t mind eating kangaroo tail, but I’m glad I took some fruit and cake as well.”

By learning language and numeracy skills through the process of gardening, budgeting and small business, many students are thriving and enjoying the journey. STEPS trainer, Marlie, explained how students on Elcho Island are responding so well to the training, that they have begun planting the class’s second community garden.

Students prepare budgets for the gardens, including the cost and counting of seeds and expected yields. The end result is nutritional food for the students’ families and some left over for the market. “On Galiwinku we have a weekly market in the park, so we are planning a few more gardens where we’ll set up a stall and make money with our produce,” said Marlie. Numeracy skills are also taught in the kitchen through measurements and cooking methods. Weekly budgets for the family food bill are prepared, with some students moving to Excel spreadsheets, working on computers supplied by the Federal government.

“I have seen the students grow in confidence and admire their consistency in attending class,” Marlie said. “Some ladies have reached their 50 hours of training milestone, with two ladies reaching the milestone without missing a session.” The students recently visited various workplaces, seeking information required for the next stage of training: job readiness and ultimately employment. “We will finish our year with a cross-cultural outing which I’m looking forward to. I’ve taught traditional methods of hunting and cooking, dancing and singing. What trainer could ask for more!”

The food was prepared and served by CADET’s international certificate and diploma students of Commercial Cookery. The students came from a range of countries – India, Nepal, South Korea, Ireland and America. As part of the students’ assessment, the buffet placed the students under similar pressure encountered in the commercial field as they worked on set-up, front of house, table service, meal preparation and delivery.

“The feedback from patrons was overwhelmingly positive with many bookings into the restaurant in the coming weeks,” said CADET Customer Relations Manager, Cheryl McGrath.

The restaurant will continue to operate for several months, providing realistic commercial experience to the students under the guidance of professional and qualified chefs. A three-course meal which includes a choice of three delicious meals in each of the courses will cost $15. The restaurant is open Monday to Thursday for lunch from 12 noon.

After losing her husband during the civil war that ranged from 1993 to 1995, Savera fled to Tanzania, where she lived for 11 years in a refugee camp.  Unable to return to her country and fearing for her life, Savera sought help with the United Nations High Commission for Refugees and arrived in Darwin with her three children in 2007.

Determined to create a safe and rewarding life for her family, Savera decided to take her love for caring for others a step further and enrolled in a course in the STEPS Northern Territory Aged care Project. Studying was a hard decision for Savera, who left primary school after grade two in Burundi when her father fell terminally ill and her family lost their source of income to pay for her education.

she said. I got a lot of support and mentoring through WISE Employment and STEPS assisted me greatly with my language and literacy issues. ”

After six months of hard work and studying, Savera recently graduated with a Certificate III in Aged Care. She now works at Carpentaria Disability Services as a disability support worker. t have aged care facilities or disability support centres in my home country. I am glad that I can help people who need assistance with their day to day functioning and find the job very rewarding.

Savera said she felt honoured to be given the opportunity to share her story with other people and hoped that other women were encouraged by it. ”

Northern Territory STEPS team leader, David, said the local team have had great success in working with refugees to provide training and skills for potential employment. David said. They are so willing to work and get out there and up skill themselves so they can support themselves, just like Savera.ve had great results in assisting our students in finding work afterwards. ”

PHOTO: Savera recently joined several prominent Territory women at The Northern Institute inaugural International Women’s Day celebration themed “Equal Access to education, training and science and technology: Pathway to decent work for women” at CDU on 8th March 2010.