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Ukrainian grandmother rediscovers independence through the Adult Migrant English Program

After fleeing her home in Ukraine, 73-year-old Liudmyla Prymakova has found stable ground in Mackay with support from TAFE Queensland’s Adult Migrant English Program.

After fleeing her home in Ukraine, 73-year-old Liudmyla Prymakova has found stable ground in Mackay with support from TAFE Queensland’s Adult Migrant English Program.

In early March, Liudmyla made the heart-rending decision to flee her home in Kharkiv amidst the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.

After boarding an overcrowded, unlit train, clutching one suitcase in hand, Liudmyla was transported to Lviv, where she was able to cross the border into Poland.

“I could still hear the sounds of the bombs, even after we landed in Brisbane,” Liudmyla says.

Having arrived in Australia with no prior English experience, the Ukrainian national was eager to work on her conversational language skills.

Shortly after settling in Mackay, Liudmyla commenced free Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) classes at TAFE Queensland’s Mackay location.

“It has helped a lot to start speaking English and socialising in Australia,” she said.

The Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) is funded by the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs, and delivers free English language lessons to support migrants and refugees in their settlement journey.

Since engaging in classes, Liudmyla’s increased English language skills have inspired her to branch out into community activities and classes.

“I love spending time near the ocean, walking in the parks and watching birds around the Gooseponds walking tracks,” she said with a smile.

Her arrival in Queensland also marked a happy—albeit relief-stricken—reunion with Liudmyla’s daughter Alla, who moved to Australia in 2014.

“When I arrived, I had very basic English,” Alla said.

Like her mother, Alla quickly recognised the benefits of foundational English language skills as she settled into a new community, and soon enrolled into the AMEP.

Since then, she has completed a beauty qualification and has commenced a Certificate IV in Business with TAFE Queensland. Her next goal is to complete a Diploma of Beauty Therapy.

Although terrible circumstances spearheaded the reunion of Liudmyla and her daughter, the pair have been grateful for their time together since.

“Australians are very kind, open and helpful. And what could be better than living with your daughter and grandson?” Liudmyla asked.

“We love having breakfast on our balcony or lunch on the beach,” Alla said.

“I’m just glad to have her here and know she is safe.”

Last week, the Australian government confirmed it had approved more than 1,000 visas for Ukrainians displaced by the conflict, while the Department of Home Affairs said more than 2,000 visas had been approved so far.

A spokesperson said the department was progressing visa applications from Ukrainian nationals as a priority, across all visa categories.