News in brief:
Sukanthan Rajkumar's future looks brighter since he fled
war-torn Sri Lanka, with Central Queensland Institute of TAFE's
English-language program helping him find a job and a pathway to
university.
News in detail:
Suka's English has improved so much that he is now
also helping out other international students at Rockhampton campus
with their language studies.
He said the war between the Tamil Tigers and Singalese and the
subsequent death of his brother drove him to come to Australia in
2008.
He left behind his parents, three brothers and a sister.
"I went by boat to Singapore and then to Malaysia. I was taken
to Christmas Island and was there until December 2009 until I was
granted a visa," he said.
"I went to Brisbane and I studied English at Southbank TAFE, but
I needed work so I moved to Rockhampton - I like it here because
it's quiet, not too busy."
The English training he'd already acquired allowed him to obtain
employment at Teys Bros Meatworks as a cleaner, but as part of his
visa agreement he continued his training at CQ TAFE's Adult
Learning Centre.
"I work Monday to Friday and go to TAFE and help out other
students with basic English," he said.
"The teachers helped me apply to university - I enrolled in
accounting and I start in July."
"The TAFE has definitely helped my life and my family is happy
that I am safe here.
"Once I get my (Australian) citizenship and finish my degree I
will be able to go home and see them."
For more information on the Institute's English language
programs, telephone 1300 CQ TAFE begin_of_the_skype_highlighting ![]()
1300 CQ
TAFE FREE end_of_the_skype_highlighting (1300
27 8233 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting ![]()
1300 27
8233 FREE end_of_the_skype_highlighting).
Submitted By:Greg Chapman