Elsa discovered a newfound confidence and passion for learning
when she started studying with WCIG.
Elsa was the only family member living in Ethiopia when she migrated to Australia in 2004. Her highest level of education was Year 7, which she completed in her home country. She married at a young age and remained at home, raising her three children, which meant she was unable to pursue further education. Her insecurities, low self-esteem and lack of confidence escalated with minimal opportunity to connect within her community.
Elsa, however, never lost hope. She was determined to improve her employability skills and get ready for work by the time her youngest started school. And with that, her education journey began.
In April 2021, now as a single mum, Elsa knew that to employment, she would need to improve her literacy and numeracy skills. She was referred to WCIG’s Skills for Education Employment (SEE) program. Elsa could complete a Certificate II in English as an Additional Language (EAL) within the program. Elsa felt very welcomed and loved meeting other students who had also migrated to Australia from non-English speaking countries.
As Elsa gained confidence and passion for learning, she began to enquire about other WCIG courses she could study, together with employment opportunities. She started to have ongoing conversations with her English teacher, program
coordinator and WCIG’s RTO Manager to gain advice on what next steps to take. During these discussions, Elsa indicated her strong interest in helping others. Consequently, she was referred to WCIG’s Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing and Home & Community), which she commenced in November 2021 while completing the SEE program.
As Elsa continued her studies, her teacher explored possible job opportunities within her local area. Elsa was keen to start work; however, it needed to fit within school hours so she could still be there for her children. Within a few weeks, Elsa was offered a job working for an NDIS service provider, and in February 2022, she began part-time work, three days a week, as a support worker for a wheelchair-bound client.
As of November 2022, Elsa has completed the SEE program, has progressed from Certificate II to Certificate III in EAL and continues to study hard in Certificate III in Individual Support. Elsa also received a scholarship awarded to passionate learners during Adult Learners Week 2022.
Throughout her learning journey, Elsa has proven to herself and other’s she is a force of nature – able to maintain her studies, work part-time and support her three children. She now embraces her love of learning, has created a positive
approach to life and loves working within the Community Services sector. She has become a role model to her family, peers and the wider community
WCIG’s Better Futures program will continue supporting Judith in achieving her goals until she turns 21.
“…time in the class with my peers showed me the light, the road to success. I am now confident, Before I was too scared and looking for excuses to stay inside. I can be anything I want to, Nothing is stopping me, even if I make mistakes. Keep going, no matter what. I can’t wait to see where my learning journey takes me.” Elsa, Student (WCIG Training)
