A FORMER refugee has decided to help others as he works towards his bright future.
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Kwe Kaw, 19, of Karen heritage, saw an opportunity to give back to his community as a volunteer in Bendigo TAFE's English program.
His journey began earlier this year when he learnt about the role of community volunteers at the TAFE.
"I wanted to participate, get out of my comfort zone and do something I've never done before," he said.
A volunteer role emerged as a teacher assistant in the TAFE's English as an Additional Language (EAL) course - a role that resonated deeply with Kwe's cultural heritage.
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"I was born in Thailand and lived in the Mae-la refugee camp until I moved to Australia in 2011," Kwe said.
"My role as a volunteer was to help teachers with translating for Karen students.
"I also got to help students of other nationalities in activities like card games, bingo, writing, reading and more."
Funded by the federal government's Adult Migrant English Program, the EAL course provides free English language lessons to eligible migrants and humanitarian entrants.
Armed with increased confidence and greater insight into training options at TAFE, Kwe enrolled in the Certificate II in Electrotechnology (Pre-Vocational) in July and is currently pursuing his goal to become an electrician.
"I have enjoyed this volunteering program. My confidence grew and I learnt new skills and experiences," he said.
"I am grateful to all and I appreciate all the teachers who were so welcoming to me."
To-date 60 volunteers have participated in the TAFE programs and in English as an Additional Language (EAL) classrooms alone, volunteer assistants have contributed over 1,000 hours of support.
Bendigo TAFE English teacher Angela Molloy said the assistance provided by the EAL program volunteers was highly appreciated.
"It was great to have Kwe as a volunteer. He is very proud of his Karen heritage and realised that he could be of service to his people at TAFE," Ms Molloy said.
"Volunteers in the EAL program provide great assistance, especially if they speak the students' language. In Kwe's case, more than 85 per cent of the class are Karen speakers.
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"It allows a teacher to work individually with a student and be aware that there is another person in the room to keep an eye out, to perhaps explain instructions again, or just to be another point of reference.
"Volunteers also provide their own perspectives, from their lived experience and often they can relate directly to the students' experiences."
To learn more about Bendigo TAFE's volunteer program, visit www.bendigotafe.edu.au/volunteers
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