From Classroom to Community

In 2025, it is estimated that over 122 million people around the world – more than 1.5% of the global population – have been forcibly displaced due to persecution, conflict, violence, or human rights violations¹.

As World Refugee Day approaches on Friday 20 June, TAFE Queensland recognises the incredible resilience and strength of its refugee cohort, many of whom, like Nassar Yohanna, initially joined the training provider as English language students.

Five years ago, Nassar faced the daunting task of rebuilding his life from the ground up. Today, he is giving back to the community that welcomed him by volunteering at Emmanuel City Mission.

Nassar’s personal experience with hardship gives his work with those in need even greater significance. Growing up in Iraq, Nassar left school at the age of nine to help support his family. He faced immense hurdles throughout his childhood, including disruptions to housing – often at a moment’s notice.

‘Some of the workers at the mission told me I was working very hard,’ Nassar said. ‘I told them, I had the same life, so I know what it’s like.’

Nassar arrived in Australia in early 2020, just before the COVID-19 pandemic caused global shutdowns. For him, the social isolation of the lockdown period was further compounded by culture shock and a language barrier.

Determined to learn English, Nassar joined the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) at TAFE Queensland’s South Bank campus. The free program, which is funded by the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs, supports participants as they settle into life in Australia.

Despite starting his classes online during the lockdown period, Nassar found connection amongst his peers and teachers.

‘At TAFE, you get a new family,’ he said. ‘So many people surrounded me and supported me.’

In five years, Nassar’s English language skills have come leaps and bounds. As one of his first AMEP teachers, Angela La Rocca has witnessed his transformation into a confident learner who can easily converse in English.

‘It really is incredible to see how far he’s come,’ Angela said.

‘He felt that the AMEP gave him so much, and so he spoke to me about wanting to give back to the community.’

Angela connected Nassar with Emmanuel City Mission, which supports vulnerable and homeless members of the community by providing hot meals, showers, and clothes washing facilities.

Nassar’s journey is one of resilience, gratitude, and a deep commitment to giving back. He will continue to attend his AMEP classes while volunteering five days a week.

Inspired by Nassar’s work, the TAFE Queensland English Language and Migrant Education faculty at South Bank is collecting non-perishable food donations for Emmanuel City Mission.

TAFE Queensland delivers the AMEP at over 50 locations across Queensland. To learn more, visit tafeqld.edu.au/amep.

1. UNHCR 2024 Mid-Year Trends report, https://www.unhcr.org/mid-year-trends-report-2024.