Hard of hearing! DL makes it easy

Sahina - DL Student

Sahina comes from Indonesia and she has been Deaf all her life. When she was a child she went to a school for the Deaf and learnt Indonesian Sign language.  Her husband is also Deaf.  He graduated with a Bachelor  of Science (Internet Computing) but at the moment works full time at Coles and also sells things on eBay.  They have one beautiful child and live in Western Australia.  They were looking for sign classes for Sahina to learn both Australian Sign language and English.  She was referred to our Navitas Distance Learning office in Perth who tried to find the right teacher for Sahina.  Fortunately we were able to find her just the right teacher from Bankstown college in Sydney.

Ruth - DL Teacher

DL Teacher Ruth is fluent in Auslan (Australian Sign language) and has years of experience teaching English and Sign language to Deaf and Hearing Impaired Students. Her skills have been put to good use as she was able to assist Sahina via Skype.

Ruth says "This is the right program for Sahina and Your Call online covers topics for everyday living.  Through Skype we are able to role play, screen share to show images, use the Skype Chats to write sentences and practise Sign language.  Sahina is really keen and very clever.  She's improving quickly."

Congratulations to both Sahina and Ruth on overcoming the barriers of hearing, distance and language all at once and best wishes to Sahina for a bright future in Australia.

How are you overcoming barriers to your own learning?

My grandmother is my inspiration

Professor Dr. Suvajara
 Vajarasathira

Following the celebration of the International Women's Day last week we received this inspirational story from Ninn, one of our DL students.

Professor Dr. Suvajara Vajarasathira is my grandmother, I call her “Koon Ya” (Grandma) in Thai.  She was born in 1924 in Bangkok. She was an excellent student who topped her class in Thailand.  She won a KINGS scholarship, being in the top 5% of her final year at University. She graduated with a Masters Degree in Medicine from Mahidol University and then went on to study in New Orleans, America. 

In the 1950’s not many Thai women got to study in university. In Thai culture we thought girls didn't need an education because they would get married and become housewives.  It was very hard for women to get the scholarship and study overseas. Grandma was a trailblazer in Thailand, being only 1 of 3 girls in her field of medicine, and the only girl to receive a KINGS scholarship to study in America. 

In America she faced prejudice and discrimination from people, classmates and teachers. The other problem was because she was a very pretty girl a lot of men spoke amorously to her. However, the other 4 doctors doing the same scholarship looked after her and treated her like a younger sister. She graduated with a Doctoral degree in Medicine and finished her 5 year internship in an American hospital in Chicago.

After she came back to Thailand she went to visit her fiancé, but America was too far and she was gone for too long. He had married another girl. As a requirement, to pay back her scholarship she worked her state job as a Doctor in the countryside of Thailand. This made forgetting about her ex-fiancé easier.               

               

She worked in the countryside of Thailand for about 3-4 years. When Mahidol University started the “Faculty of Tropical Medicine” she was selected to come back to Bangkok to set it up in 1960.  As a researcher and lecturer, she travelled to many overseas countries. My greatest delight was when she brought home souvenirs for me.  But this meant I had to have been well-behaved and done well in school. The Japanese chocolate was my favourite. She was a working and practising doctor until she was 70 years old.

                

Koon Ya is 91 years old this year and although her body may be failing her mind is still very sharp. She is a great person who in her 50 years’ service to Thailand has given up much and helped many people. That is why I feel proud and privileged to help support her now.

Thanks to Ninn for sharing this wonderful story about a remarkable woman!

• Do you have someone in your family or your culture that you consider a "trailblazer"?  In what way?
• A lot has changed for women of this generation. What has changed and are the challenges the same?

Why not share a comment on the story or the discussion questions here!

Harmony Day- Our diversity is our strength!

Harmony Day is on Monday 21st March and it's a time to celebrate Australia's diversity. We celebrate that people, who are from many different cultures, live in Australia. We are all different and that is great! This diversity makes us strong. Our diversity is our strength!
DL Virtual Restaurant
We are going to celebrate our diversity by sharing our favourite meal. On the Events tab are activities for you to do with your teacher. You can write a recipe, then send your recipe to your teacher. Your recipes will be shared on the blog in the DL. Virtual Restaurant. You will be able to sample the menu by reading DL students' recipes and try cooking a meal from another culture.

Food is memory
Cooking and sharing meals and recipes helps us to connect to our culture. Each dish has a special meaning. So with your recipe you can also write how it's important to you. One of our students, Paweena wrote: "Every dish brings me back to my childhood. Every bite takes me to my home. Food is memory! Sometimes it makes me cry from happiness, but it heals me from homesickness too."
Everyone Belongs
Sharing food helps us to connect to others and feel like we belong. Last year on Harmony Day, DL students wrote their thoughts on belonging. Here are some of their thoughts.

Belonging is:

......"Knowing Australia is a multicultural country, they accept people from everywhere in the world, so it is not strange for me anymore." I think that is what  belonging means.”-Shirley

........"when I am not isolated and lonely- I am part of the community. I feel there is a very large community outside of my home so I belong to it as an individual to build it up." -Maryam

........."feeling I belong to my community because I know my neighborhood. ..I am willing to contribute to the community by attending multicultural activities and sharing my culture."- Lifang

.........."cooking Aussie food (barbeque), learning Aussie slang (G’ day Mate) and making Aussie friends (my neighbour)."- Kataai

Go up to the Events tab to start the DL Virtual Restaurant Activities

Changing careers

Yining, Navitas, Perth

I graduated from University of Shanghai, China, in the field of Science and Technology in 2002. I worked for an automotive components company as an Engineer for more than ten years. 

I came to Australia with my family in January 2014 and settled in Perth, Western Australia. At first I tried to send out my resume to many different places to find a job in my field of study as an Engineer. But all I received was rejection letters. 

When I started my Distance Learning AMEP course in June 2014, my DL teacher, Bernadette, chose the theme of Work from Your Call.  I learned how to write a good cover letter and rewrote my resume according to the Australian standards. We also practised job interview questions during class.

My DL teacher also put me in touch with the DL Pathways Advisor, Jennifer, who arranged an interview for me with the Challenger Institute.  I knew I had to change careers so I wanted to find out the best future study option.  They advised me to enrol in Certificate III in Sterilisation because there is a huge demand for new technicians.

After my English improved and I completed the Sterilisation course I sent out my new resume.  I was offered 3 interviews in hospitals and got my first job in a private hospital in Perth in December 2014. I am very happy and I feel I belong in Australia.

I am very lucky that I could study English with DL in Navitas.  I consider my DL teacher, Bernadette, to be my mentor who is guiding my new life in Australia.  I really appreciated the fact that she had a similar experience many years ago and she is willing to share her failure and success stories to encourage me.

Congratulations Yining on your first job in Australia.  We are pleased your DL teacher and Pathways Advisor were able to put you on the right path.

• How do you feel about changing careers?
• The average person changes careers 5-7 times. What do you think are the reasons?
• Have you changed careers yourself?  Why? What were the challenges and the benefits?

Check out the Pathways tab for more information on changing careers.

Why not add a comment below!

ANZAC Day - 25th April

On 25 April, Australians will commemorate Anzac Day. Anzac Day is the day we remember those who died in all wars. ‘Anzac’ stands for ‘Australian and New Zealand Army Corps’.

When World War I broke out in 1914, Australia had only been a federation for 13 years, with a population of fewer than 5 million people. It was very much part of the British Empire, and so when Britain entered the war, Australia automatically joined as well.

On 25 April 1915, Australian and New Zealand forces landed on the Gallipoli peninsula in Turkey. The idea was to capture Gallipoli and from there, to take over Constantinople, which was the capital of Turkey at the time.

The Australian and New Zealand soldiers met very strong resistance from the Turkish soldiers and both sides suffered terrible casualties. More than 8,000 Australian soldiers died during this 8 month campaign and it had a profound effect on Australians back home.

As Australia was a young country with a small population, this loss of life became a defining point in its history, and from it, the Anzac legend of courage, mateship and sacrifice grew.

The first anniversary was held in 1916, and every year since then, Australians not only remember the lives lost at Gallipoli, but all those who have died in war.

A dawn service has been held every year since 1927. Initially this was a very simple ceremony involving veterans of the war to gather, remember and reflect on their experiences. Today, as all the veterans of World War 1 have passed away, the dawn service not only includes the family members of these veterans, but anybody else who wants to gather and pay their respects and reflect on the meaning of war.

It is a solemn and very moving occasion, as one of our DL students, Thi Son Ha, who attended a dawn service, wrote in a beautiful passage:

A MOMENT OF ANZAC DAY AT LAKE CARGELLIGO

In the wind, the voice from another world whispered "We remember you ....remember you ...remember you ....". Wind then stopped, sunshine didn’t move. Everyone looked beyond the other side of the lake, such as they tried to find some souls who came back in the cloud, in the sky or the water of the lake....The wave of the water on the bank of the lake could be counted as the beats of the hearts. A moment for all of you who sacrificed your life for the peace of this country as well as the world. "We remember you, remember you ....!" 

• Australians often use the word ‘mate’. How was 'mateship’ shown during the time of war?
• Do you have a similar celebration in your country? If you do, what happens on the day?
• What do you think is the best way to remember those who died in war?

DL welcomes an AMEP volunteer in their offices

Ksenia, volunteer with DL

Ksenia comes from Russia.  After one month of arriving in Australia in April 2015 she started her AMEP English lessons with Navitas in Hurstville.  Gaining more confidence with her English, Ksenia enrolled in a SLPET (Settlement Language Pathway for Education and Training) course in Business Administration.

It was good luck that brought Ksenia to complete her work experience component of the course in Distance Learning as we always need extra help with administrative jobs.  After completing her 2 week work placement, Ksenia took initiative and asked if she could continue to work with us a on voluntary basis. Because we could see that Ksenia was very professional we were delighted to have her continue work with us.

We asked Ksenia about her 2 week work experience.  She said: "It was very useful because I had never worked in Australia before and I wanted to see what it would be like, how different it would be from working in Russia and how I can contribute.  Being in a new place with a new set of circumstances can be scary.  I didn't know what people do or the culture of the workplace in Australia.  I feel more confident now."

We also asked Ksenia why she offered to volunteer after her 2 week work experience was finished.  She said "I enjoy working as part of a team and being productive.  I find it hard to be home all the time.  Plus it helps me stay in touch with technology and work practices.  It is important not to lose my skills specially as I am looking for a job. I feel ready to work in Australia."

The management team in Distance Learning are so impressed by Ksenia's attitude to work and her administrative and computer skills.  The manager offered to be her referee and would highly recommend her for any job she applies for.  Although it would be sad to lose Ksenia, we wish her all the best for finding paid employment.

Do you have a good volunteering story to share!  Why not add your comments below!

Are you ready for the next job interview!

Anthony, DL Teacher

Anthony is one of our DL teachers who have been trained to help students seeking employment and wanting to practise for the next job interview.

Before the first lesson Anthony usually sends the student a Job Interview Package which includes sample interview questions and tips on how to create a positive impression. If students have a resume and a covering letter they will typically send them before the lesson to Anthony so he can give them feedback and suggest sections that can be adapted.  If students don’t have a resume or a covering letter, however, Anthony can send them samples and ask them to prepare these documents for his review.

So Anthony, what do you do in these lessons!
In Lesson 1 I usually discuss:

- Student work goals and what type of jobs they're looking for
- Topics in the Job Interview Package – tips and sample questions
- How to answer specific job interview questions
- Feedback or tips on writing a good resume and a covering letter
- Responding to criteria listed in an advertisement
- Information about employment websites

For homework I ask students to find a job ad that interests them from seek.com.au and email me the link before the second lesson.

In Lesson 2, I role play the job interview with the student, give feedback, then role play it again more carefully. Students usually perform better as a result of the practice.

What advice would you give students seeking employment?

Students are often concerned that they don’t get jobs because of their English.  This may not be true.  Although having good English is important, it may have to do more with the experience they’ve had and the skills they can offer the job.  I focus on special techniques for answering questions such as how to emphasise that their abilities would benefit the company.

Can these lessons help students with their CSWE learning outcomes?

Certainly, Level 3 students can achieve Learning Outcome D2 "Participate in an interview" plus we have employment modules for both Level 2 and 3 students.

• What concerns you the most about job interviews?
• What is the hardest question you can get asked?

If you need help, why not ask your regular DL teacher for 2 additional Job Interview Practice lessons with one of our experienced teachers!

Haroon prefers to learn by distance

Haroon and family

I come from Pakistan. I completed my Master's degree in Finance in 2000 in Pakistan and worked in different positions in accounting. I got married in 2008 and I now have two girls. When I arrived here, I did not have any communication skills because English is my second language. So I decided to enroll in the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) to improve my English and get Certificate III in Spoken and Written English.

I have been studying with DL for ten months. Now, I feel more confident when I speak English and I'm improving everyday.  I found that studying by distance is more convenient and flexible.  If I have an emergency I can reschedule my lesson so I don't miss any lessons.  In addition, it saves me time and money because I don't have to travel to classes.

My teacher Nada concentrates on my needs and weaknesses and teaches me the Australian culture. She tries to improve my employability skills and provides me with good tips for finding an appropriate job.  She also sends me a lot of video links after the lesson which help reinforce what I have learned and learn new things as well. There are a lot of e-books on the AMEP DL website which are very helpful.

I am very pleased with my DL experience as I think it is one of the best ways to help me improve my English language faster and it suits my circumstances. 

• How can you get the most out of your DL lessons?
• What are Employability Skills?  Check this link to see which ones you have and which ones you need.

Give Happy, Live happy - National Volunteer Week

This week we celebrate National Volunteer Week.  Volunteering means giving your time and working for no money, so why do we do it? Research shows that volunteers live happier and healthier lives.  We asked two of our teachers about the volunteer work they've done when they're not paid to teach.

Linda, far left

DL Teacher, Linda, volunteered to be a reading mentor and a role-model in public schools to help students develop their reading and comprehension skills. She works with one student on a weekly basis for one term through the ABCN Spark program.  She finds it rewarding to share her skills to help someone in her community and make a difference.  Linda says it is a lot of fun to see the students improve their reading levels, enjoy reading more and engage in conversations increasing their confidence and self-esteem.

Baby possums with Karen

DL Teacher, Karen, is a volunteer for rescuing and caring for injured or displaced native animals such as birds, lizards and possums through the wildlife rescue organisation, WIRES.  Her favourite are baby possums.  She enjoys bottle feeding them until they're ready to be released back into the wild.  Karen also plans to do further training to raise kangaroo joeys, koalas and wombats.  She does this volunteer work because she loves animals and finds it rewarding to save them, watch them grow and be safely free again in the wild.  She says this has also been a wonderful experience for her children.

• Have you ever volunteered?  What did you do?
• What are the benefits of volunteering for new migrants in Australia?
• What kind of volunteer work is available?
• How do you find volunteer work in your area?

Why not share your views or what you've done to volunteer here and inspire other students!

Your DL Virtual Restaurant Cookbook is here!

Feeling Hungry? Get ready to tempt your taste buds and try a new dish from the Distance Learning Virtual Restaurant Cookbook.
Over 34 students and staff from 18 countries have contributed their favourite recipes. Yum, well done!
To go to the cookbook just click on this link: DL Virtual Restaurant Cookbook These meals remind us of home, cooking in the kitchen with family and many recipes are handed down from parents and grandparents.

Take your time to browse through the delicious meals and read the recipes and reflections on why the meal is special. Here are a few students' thoughts on 'Why is this dish important to me and my culture?'

"It is the Vietnamese Mini Savoury Pancake (Banh Khot). It is important because the round shape looks like the moon and it's romantic, it also brings peace." Trinh from Vietnam.

"This dish (Asian BBQ prawns) is important to me because my mother usually cooks this dish during important Chinese festivals like Chinese New Year and the Moon Festival. I can recall many good memories when every time I eat this dish." Karen from Hong Kong, China.

 Fish Amok "is a dish my mum taught me how to cook when I was just a skinny kid-8 years old. I love to go to the markets in the early morning and buy the fresh fish and vegetables before it gets too late in the day. I like to cook this dish with my sisters and my mum when I visit my home. Lottie from Cambodia.

"I will never forget the smell of my Grandmother's house cooking beans. This is why beans are my favourite and I will eat them for the rest of my life!" Sandra from Colombia.

"Tabbouleh is important to me because it reminds me of my mother who loved it. Tabbouleh is served at all occasions in the Middle East and a meal is never complete without it." Maha D.L. teacher.

Would you like to review a recipe? How about writing a review just like on My Kitchen Rules?
Click on this link to open a worksheet with vocabulary and tips for writing a food review.

How to write a recipe review

Please write your review in the comments section below. Our home cooks would love to know what you think of their recipe.