Effervescent, optimistic approach a wonderful role model for success

Adult Migrant Eh Gay (centre) with his volunteer tutors (L-R): John, Howel, David and Moya.

Myanmar-born Eh Gay arrived in Australia with his wife and three children after living in a refugee camp in Thailand for 22 years. Eh Gay’s parents, sister and brother remain in Thailand, hoping to apply for visas to come to Australia one day.

Arriving in Tasmania in 2015, Eh Gay couldn’t speak English but was determined to learn a new language which would lead to employment so he could support his family. He attended the Special Preparatory Program (SPP) at TasTAFE in March 2015 and started learning English under the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP).

“When I came to Australia, I couldn’t speak English at all; I didn’t know how to reply to “hello”. I was 34 years old, and it was hard to learn a new language. I studied English at TasTAFE for 10 years,” Eh Gay said.

“Not just language, but I had to learn Australian culture as well. I often felt “oh, it’s so difficult” But I kept telling myself “If I don’t learn English, I cannot work, cannot get a job”. I then kept going, going and going.”

Eh Gay’s confidence started to grow as he learnt English and he started conversing with his classmates and his teacher.

“When I go outside of TasTAFE, people talked so fast and didn’t have patience to understand me. I was afraid to speak, and it was difficult for me to understand how people do things in Australia.”

Eh Gay persevered with his studies and in 2022 aspired to become a truck driver. Four volunteer tutors assisted him to fulfill his dream, while he continued studying at his AMEP classes.

The four volunteer tutors, Moya, Howel, John and David spent three years helping Eh Gay prepare for his medium rigid truck license, a forklift license, and then a qualification in disability care.

“I helped him navigate the English language and the medium rigid truck license. Eh Gay is just a delightful human. Very motivated, very friendly and happy. He's told me about some of his journey to Australia and I don't know if I would have had the resilience that he's shown right through all that,” said Eh Gay’s first volunteer tutor, Moya.

To obtain the medium rigid truck license, Eh Gay needed additional help from a second volunteer tutor, Howel. Moya and Howel both helped Eh Gay once a week.

“I only had a short period of time with Eh Gay and we had a task, a very challenging task to get through,” said Howel.

‘I found it very easy to spend time with Eh Gay. In fact, I felt very motivated to get through that task, which turned out to be quite a big one!

“Looking at someone who has many challenges and a difficult story in coming to Australia, I find that inspirational to see.”

After obtaining his medium rigid license, Eh Gay needed a forklift license. That’s when John started tutoring him.

“Eh Gay has a great sense of humor, and it keeps us all going. And I was saying ambitious, but motivated was the other word that comes up here. And above all, that great Australian trait is a larrikin. It's been a real pleasure,” said John.

Eh Gay decided to eventually change his career path from truck driving to disability and aged care, and sought help from a fourth volunteer tutor, David – to help him achieve a qualification in disability care.

“I loved teaching you because of your keenness; that's why hours could just go by in a flash and I really enjoyed helping you,” David said.

“Honestly, you are a most delightful personality. You have a very sunny disposition, but behind that, so much difficulty and so many problems that you had to overcome. You are very keen to study and are always smiling!”

After leaving AMEP in July 2024, Eh Gay completed a disability care course and is currently working as a support worker.

“As an adult migrant, I couldn’t learn English quickly. I felt sad and frustrated but didn’t give up. I kept trying until I get it, Eh Gay said.

My four tutors helped me get some qualifications and gave me confidence to take up a job. Now I have a job and I’m really happy! I want to say a big thank you to all of my tutors.”

If you would like to know more about the Volunteer Tutor Scheme and the Adult Migrant English Program at TasTAFE, please contact TasTAFE.Home.Tutor.ELS@tafe.tas.edu.au

The Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) is funded by the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs. TasTAFE is an AMEP service provider in southern Tasmania.