English helps Alena settle in

Alena moved to a regional community in Tasmania from Poland for her husband’s work, without knowing anyone in the area, and with limited English. Alena is from Belarus and speaks Russian and Polish and wanted to improve her English language skills.

Alena quickly made friends and one friend suggested that Alena might be able to find help with improving her English at Smithton library.

Alena started meeting with a volunteer tutor weekly and worked very hard to increase her knowledge and confidence in using English for day to day life and for work. At the same time, Alena provided support to her three daughters who were starting school in Australia, helping them make new friends and improving their English.

Alena worked hard and quickly made progress. One of her goals was to be confident enough in her English to find work. Within six months of working with a tutor, Alena was successful in gaining a traineeship at our local aged care facility. As part of this traineeship, Alena has begun working in an aged care role, while also undertaking a Certificate III in Individual Support.

Alena would like to complete her Certificate III in Individual Support and become a qualified aged care worker. She loves caring for her family and her community, and sees this as a fantastic opportunity to contribute and embark on a rewarding and essential career. Alena is supporting her family and the community by undertaking this course and traineeship.