Aguer keeps positive

My name is Aguer and I’m from South Sudan. I come from a big family who are still living in my country. I’m married to a Sudanese man who has lived in Australia for 11 years and is a Mathematics and Science teacher.  I have been here for 10 months and I am already feeling very settled and happy. My English has improved a lot since I started in Distance Learning with my teacher Lisbeth who has given me so much help and support.

I was introduced to my husband through my family and after we got married in South Sudan I joined him in Australia. We now live in a small town in Queensland called Charters Towers, which was founded in the 1870s, when gold was discovered here.

When I was very young my life was not easy. Due to war and persecution my mother and I were forced to live in a refugee camp, called Kakuma, for 7 years. It was very difficult to live in the camp in very harsh conditions.  I’m however a very positive person and I like challenges.  I feel so blessed to be here in this great country where I can start a new life.  I’m determined to improve my English in DL and by volunteering in the community and eventually get a good job.

I’m so lucky because my Home Tutor, Bruna, works at the local Information Centre so this is how I became a volunteer there 2 days a week.  It's lovely working at the Centre because all the staff members are so helpful. I assist Bruna by giving information to tourists. I love meeting new people and I enjoy talking to them. 

I love volunteering because I believe it is important not just to focus on working to earn money but to give back to the community wherever possible.  There was an article in the local newspaper about volunteering and the theme was ‘Give Happy, Live Happy’ which celebrates that there is so much more to volunteering than simply giving your time and skills to help others, it’s a core part of the community.  What goes around comes around.

As for my future plans, I want to work with children and I am going to enrol in a Certificate 3 in Early Childhood and Care. After I complete this course I want to work in a childcare centre and then maybe be a nurse. I am not sure yet, but I know that I’ll work very hard at achieving my goals. My DL teacher, Lisbeth, told me that in Australia everyone can have a fair go!

I hope that one day when I am settled here in Australia and I have a good job, I can build a small school for children in my hometown in South Sudan. I love children and I want to help them get a better education, because I think education is the key to a better future and a better life.

Thanks Aguer for sharing your wonderful story.  We wish you all the best for your future.

• What kind of challenges migrants face before and after coming to Australia?
• What helps migrants overcome their challenges?
• Why is it important to give back to the community? What could this look like for you?
• If you had the opportunity to give back to your country of origin, what would you do?

Be Inspired on International Women's Day

Lisbeth, DL Teacher

International Women's Day is celebrated around the world on March 8th. It is a day to reflect on women's equality, to recognise women's rights and to encourage women to be strong and resilient in difficult times.There are many women in history who achieved great things in difficult times. They did this with strength and resilience. They achieved great things in literature, politics, sport science charity and much more.These women inspire us to be like them, to be smart, strong and work hard.

On the new EVENTS tab there is an International Women's Day slideshow and lesson activities. Write your own inspirational quote to contribute to our 'Words of Wisdom' slideshow.

This week's blog is an inspirational interview with one of our most experienced DL teachers, Lisbeth. 

Hi Lisbeth, tell us about your background.
I'm from Sweden.  I live with my husband in Sydney and I have 2 children and 4 grandchildren.
When did you decide to come to Australia?
When I was 19 I worked on a sailing ship that brought me to Australia where I first met my husband. After we got married we lived in Sweden and had 2 children.  I didn't come to live in Australia until I was 35.
How did you end up teaching in the AMEP?
In the late 70's there were thousands of people arriving from Vietnam so I got a job as an adult migrant English teacher.  This has been my career ever since.
What are the highlights of your career?
I was a Principal in the Adult Migrant English Service.  I have taught English in 5 countries: Sweden, England, Hong Kong, Belgium and Australia and I am still teaching in DL. Besides that, I'm currently the only Swedish Interpreter in Sydney.
What keeps you going?
I love my job because I feel I'm making a difference to my students' lives by helping them.
Do you have any interests other than work?
I love travelling.  I've been to 78 countries.  I also sing soprano in a choir. I'm part of the Swedish community in Sydney and join in many multicultural events.
What have been the main challenges in your life?
It wasn't easy to leave my homeland and it took a long time to feel settled in Australia.  My children spoke no English and I was disappointed that I couldn't do the same job as I did in Sweden as a Primary School Teacher. Of course, I missed my family. It took me 3 years to get the right qualifications.  Another big challenge was when I was diagnosed with breast cancer 9 years ago and had to go through years of treatment.
What would you say is your strength?
I always see the glass half full, which means I'm a positive person and try to look at the bright side.
What female figure inspired you and why?
My mother was a wonderful role model for me.  She loved me utterly and gave me confidence.
What advice would you give young women?
Follow your dream! Seize the day!  Never say I can't do it.... in Australia everyone can have a fair go!

Go to the 'Events' tab above for this week's activities.