LearnWest Connect Share Learn Project 2023-2024

What are you currently learning?

I'm currently studying counselling and life coaching at the Australian College of Applied Professions (ACAP). This experience is teaching me how to help people navigate their challenges and pursue their goals, diving deep into understanding what makes us tick and how to foster positive change. Alongside this, I'm also working on my speaking and presentation skills. This isn't just a side project for me; it's a key part of my future career. Being able to communicate effectively and connect with people is essential, whether I'm coaching one-on-one or speaking to a room full of people. By improving these skills, I'm preparing myself to make a real difference, offering both support and inspiration to those I work with. This journey is all about personal growth, not just for me but for the people I'll help along the way. It's about building a set of tools that can change lives, including my own, for the better.

What’s on your learning bucket list/what do you want to learn?

I'm really focused on diving deeper into mental health and understanding trauma better. After I finish my bachelor's in counselling studies, I'm planning to take it up a notch by pursuing a master's in neurology. I believe that getting a grip on how the brain works can give me new insights into mental health, which is super important to me. Besides that, I've got my sights set on writing another book. I've got a lot to share, especially with the new things I'm learning, and I think a book is a great way to do it. Also, I really want to get better at speaking to and facilitating larger groups of people. I see it as a way to spread knowledge and help even more people on a bigger scale. It's definitely on my learning bucket list because I believe these skills and knowledge can make a huge difference, not just in my career but in the lives of the people I aim to help.

What hurdles have you overcome in your learning journey?

Jumping back into school after years away, while balancing motherhood, work, and studies, has been a huge challenge for me. My multicultural background adds another layer to the mix, making the journey even more interesting. It's not been easy managing all these roles, but I've found ways to make it work. I've really focused on boosting my time management skills, learning how to sort through my daily tasks to figure out what needs my attention the most. Setting goals that are realistic and within reach has been a game changer. It's all about finding what works and sticking to it, making sure I'm moving forward without burning out. This approach has helped me tackle the hurdles one step at a time, turning what seemed like obstacles into stepping stones.

What advice would you give your younger self?

If I could share wisdom with my younger self, here's the essence of what I'd say: Let go of worrying about others' opinions. It's liberating to live true to yourself rather than seeking approval. Establish firm boundaries—they're crucial for self-respect and dictate how others treat you. Embrace confidence, not as the absence of fear, but as the strength to act in spite of it. Don't obsess over timelines; your journey is uniquely yours, not a race to be compared with others.

Above all, love yourself. This self-love is foundational, teaching others how to love you and setting the standard for all your relationships. Understand that friends will come and go, and that's part of life's natural cycle. Continuous learning is key in this complex and fast-paced world; it fuels growth at every stage of life and keeps you relevant.

Hold onto hope and faith and bolster them with courage and bravery. These virtues make resilience more accessible, enabling you to rebound from challenges with grace. Always remember, you are worthy. Your worth isn't based on achievements or external validation but on your very existence. Carry this knowledge proudly, and navigate life with your head held high, ready to face whatever comes with an open heart.

What has been the most challenging experience in learning something new?

The challenging part of learning something new for me was beating my own fear and self-doubt. My past experiences had me convinced I couldn't achieve much. Getting over that belief wasn't easy at all. It felt like a real battle, but fighting through those doubts taught me how strong I really am.

What was the most positive learning experience?

The most positive learning experience for me was when I realised that making mistakes is a crucial part of the learning process and seek support from lectures if needed. This shift in perspective turned what could have been a discouraging experience into a powerful lesson. It taught me resilience, the value of persistence, and the importance of approaching challenges with a positive mindset and embrace critical thinking. I learned that growth often comes from the most unexpected places and that every mistake is a step towards mastery.

Let us introduce you to Storm a vibrant young man that is a great advocate for people living with a disability in Wyndham, he is a current member of the Annecto Speakers Bank. Speakers Bank supports people with a lived experience of disability to share their stories with the community. Storm loves the opportunities to continue to pursue his public speaking skills. Storm says it make him happy to have people listen to his life’s story his challenges and the opportunities that he has encountered in his life.

While in primary and secondary school Storm was vice captain, during that time he was given the opportunity to meet former Prime Minister Julia Gilliard.  Storm has received two prestigious awards, the Merlyn Myer Youth Award for Leadership Skills in 2008 & the Wyndham Mayoral Youth award in 2009 for Community Service, Volunteering and Leadership Skills.  Storm mentions that due to his disability people underestimate him and look past him and don’t see his full potential, examples of this was during school when teachers did not give him harder tasks to complete compared to his class mates. However, he continued to challenge himself and entered RMIT where he completed an Advance Diploma Community Development and a Leadership Course. He had to learn to get on public transport and navigate his way into the city, it was challenging but he is proud of himself for continuing to pursue his dreams.

On his quest for continued learning, Storm is now concentrating on cooking simple meals, more social skills, budgeting, and more independent skills that will continue to assist him in the future. Storm is a determined, passionate, and committed individual, he wants to continue to be an advocate for people living with a disability and to have a voice in our community. He wants everyone to learn that people living with a disability want the same opportunities to build friendships, build connections and to have fun while learning.

When asked what advice he would give to his younger self, Storm said go out and do what you want, don’t set unrealistic expectations on yourself and be ok with failure, these help you learn and remember, never stop trying.

From the steamy and mountainous tropical jungle to the dry and flat Werribee Plains – Nay Kaw’s journey to being a trainee ranger with Parks Victoria has been a long and arduous one.

Nay Kaw was born in the Mae La refugee camp, the largest of several refugee camps on the Thailand-Burma border - a far cry from the manicured grounds of Werribee Park Mansion and the Victorian State Rose Garden where he now finds himself.

Nay Kaw began his traineeship at the start of the year with the Werribee Parks and Gardens team, in a role which offers a hybrid of horticulture and environmental land management as part of an overall pathways program for young adults from local new and emerging communities.

Nay Kaw arrived in Melbourne in 2019 with his parents and four siblings. After graduating from Laverton P-12 College (where he learned to speak English) Nay Kaw began working at a local cabinet making factory until he heard about the open trainee ranger program at Werribee Park.

“One of the uncles told me they needed an apprentice here, and I was very interested in the idea of it when I heard about it,” Nay Kaw said.

“He asked me if I like working in the garden, and I said, “yeah I like growing vegetables at home”, and so I thought I’d better jump in first if no one is doing the job yet. After a month, I began working here.”

And while Nay Kaw’s current surroundings are nothing like where he grew up, he still finds himself surrounded by Karen culture every day. 

According to the 2021 Census, approximately 3000 people in the Wyndham area of Melbourne’s west speak Karen at home, so it’s no surprise Werribee Park is a popular place for members of the Karen community to meet.

The Werribee Park community vegetable garden, which began in 2012, is a popular place for older Karen “uncles and aunties” to meet each week, where they’ll often share traditional dishes made with ingredients grown in the garden with Parks Victoria staff.

Werribee Park was also the site for this year's New Year celebrations for the Melbourne Karen community. More than 1500 people attended this year’s event, which included traditional food, crafts, song and dance.

At Werribee Park, Nay Kaw is being mentored by fellow Parks Victoria rangers, including Karen youth leader Hsar Ju, who became Victoria’s first ranger with a refugee background back in 2016.

“He’ll learn a lot of horticultural skills, like propagation, how to pot and plant seeds, pretty much everything,” Hsar said. 

Werribee Plains Area Chief Ranger James Brincat said Nay Kaw was already impressing his managers in his short time at Parks Victoria.

“The local Werribee team was very excited to see a new apprentice drive through the front gate,” James said.

“Although Nay Kaw’s focus will be on Werribee Park and Point Cook, as part of the pathways program he will be buddied up with a mentor and given the opportunity to work right across the district so that he is well and truly packed with hands on experience to enable him to apply for Ranger roles in the future.”

For now, though, Nay Kaw is happy tending to the Werribee Park gardens, where he assists in watering, mowing, brush cutting, and assisting volunteers.

“There’s a lot of beauty here, so many nice flowers, and there’s a lot of people here who are really nice to work with.”

He’s also hoping to see the elusive Werribee River platypus.

“I’ve only been here two months, so I haven’t seen the platypus yet. Hsar has been here for much longer and only seen it twice, so I really hope to see it one day.”

Cultural Diversity Week is held between March 18-24. This year (2024) celebrates the theme of Our Shared Stories Celebrating Together. We thank Parks Victoria and Nay Kaw for sharing his story with us. 

https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/news/2024/03/17/22/40/meet-nay-kaw-werribee-parks-new-trainee-ranger

Meet Savannah, a determined and passionate learner. Having just completed Year 12 and earned a certificate II in Electrotechnology and Engineering Metal Fabrication, Savannah was ready to dive deeper into the world of metal craftsmanship.

As of November 4th, Savannah shared the exciting news of embarking on a journey to pursue an apprenticeship in 2024. The apprenticeship aimed to transform Savannah into a skilled Metal Machinist and fitter, involving intricate machines such as Lathes and Milling Machines. This was a dream come true for Savannah, who was eager to delve into the heart of metalwork.

However, the path to this exciting opportunity was not without its challenges. During school at Harvester Technical College, Savannah faced hurdles that tested determination. Repeated rejections from companies during the search for work placement resonated with biased comments like, "I don't know how the guys will behave" or "We don't want girls in our workplace." Despite the setbacks, Savannah's passion for metal fabrication remained unwavering.

Reflecting on the journey, Savannah would advise her younger self to persevere and stay true to the passion. The key lesson was clear – keep pushing for what you love and what you want to do.

One of the most challenging experiences in Savannah's learning journey was the lack of support. While navigating through courses, work placements, and schooling, Savannah felt the absence of the same level of encouragement as others. Yet, this only fuelled the determination to prove that gender should never be a barrier to pursuing one's dreams.

Amidst the challenges, a bright moment awaited Savannah. After a year of hard work, Savannah graduated with flying colours, earning the prestigious Student of the Year award. This recognition celebrated the dedication shown both inside school and during placements at various industries. It was a testament to the resilience and passion that defined Savannah's journey.

The narrative also unfolded in the realm of real-world experiences. Savannah had the privilege to work on significant government projects like the Westgate Tunnels alongside esteemed companies such as C2O and Lucky Strike. These opportunities not only expanded Savannah's skill set but also provided a glimpse into the vast possibilities within the metal fabrication industry.

And so, Savannah's journey continues, marked by determination, passion, and a commitment to breaking barriers in a field traditionally dominated by stereotypes. The story of Savannah served as an inspiration for aspiring learners, proving that with perseverance and dedication, dreams could indeed be forged into reality.

Life is an incredible journey.

Every step has been a lesson in growth and understanding.

Born in Malaysia, I embarked on my educational journey by learning and writing several languages, experiencing the rich diversity of my tropical homeland.

After completing my Bachelor and Master of Science in Malaysia, I pursued my dream of attaining a PhD in electrical and electronics engineering in the UK, adapting to a four-season country and embraced change and diversity in Western culture.

Wyndham City Council's building blocks program played an important role in my learning journey. Leading me to become a Councillor and former Deputy Mayor.

Volunteering with many organisations has fostered connections with people from all walks of life and given me a glimpse into their struggles and triumphs.

Life's journey is an ever-evolving quest for knowledge.

Whether it's experimenting with culinary delights, embracing new technologies, or mastering the art of playing the piano or chess, each experience adds to the tapestry of my life.

Every day, I continue to learn, grow, and become a better person.

Meetra, a 27-year-old Afghan woman, embarked on a remarkable journey as a new refugee in Australia. When the Taliban seized control of Afghanistan, Meetra and her family were granted 449 visas to Australia, offering them a lifeline to safety and freedom. In November 2021, they arrived in their new homeland.

Australia, however, presented Meetra with numerous challenges as she acclimated to a foreign country and contemplated her educational pursuits. The educational system in Australia differed greatly from that of her homeland, initially making her feel overwhelmed and uncertain. Balancing her studies with the responsibilities of caring for her children and family seemed daunting at first. But Meetra's unwavering passion for learning propelled her forward, instilling in her the determination to overcome any obstacles.

Meetra recognized the immense privilege she now enjoyed as an Australian resident—a stark contrast to the limited rights and opportunities for women in Afghanistan. This realisation fuelled her decision to persevere in her educational journey. She embarked on a Diploma in Community Services with a specialization in Case Management, eager to acquire the skills necessary for a fulfilling career dedicated to supporting and empowering individuals to create positive transformations in their lives and communities.

Today, Meetra radiates happiness as she pursues her studies. She aspires to become a shining example, not only for herself but also for her family and her community. Her commitment to education serves as a beacon of hope for a brighter future.

*(Update – since this story was penned, Meetra has secured a permanent position at Wyndham Community & Education Centre—Congratulations, Meetra!)

https://www.learnwest.org/learningstories

Michael is a mature-age adult learner with a Bachelor’s Degree in Adult Learning and Development, he embarked on a transformative journey that highlighted the importance of continuous personal growth and self-directed education. His layered experiences in life stages, combined with a challenging background and being raised in a single-parent family, shaped him as a dedicated learner.  Michael's maxim is, “If I can do it, you can do it too!".

Recognising that learning is a personal and self-directed experience, Michael pursued higher education at Monash University at the age of 52. With the guidance of a mentor, he embarked on vocational training for six years, where he discovered his potential as an excellent educator.

Seeking a career change from the transport industry, Michael transitioned to the library field. However, he encountered a challenge - the need to acquire tech and digital literacy skills. Determined, he embraced opportunities and relearned how to become a learner again, acknowledging the importance of lifelong, wide-ranging, and deep learning for sustainability.

As he navigated university life, balancing work and full-time study, Michael encountered significant academic and critical skill challenges. Nevertheless, he persevered, inspiring others with his maxim, "If I can do it, you can do it too!"

With a focus on vocational, professional, and personal learning, Michael's resilience and dedication shone through. Working in the correctional system, he witnessed firsthand the impact of education and how personal growth supports vocational success. Genuine motivation played a vital role in his learning journey, especially in the complex layers of the corrections environment, including finance and cultural aspects.

Embracing digital literacy and a technology-focused approach, Michael recognised the evolving nature of learning in the 21st century. He remained a well-informed learner, reading extensively and subscribing to various resources. For Michael, being a learner means remaining current, learning as needed, and developing the necessary skills and knowledge for today's rapidly changing workplace.

Continual learning became Michael's mantra, driven by the need for higher-skilled workplaces and personal fulfillment. He understood that each person's learning experience is valuable and unique, emphasising the importance of setting meaningful, measurable, and specific learning goals.

Through his learning journey, Michael's passion for adult vocational training and his commitment to personal growth became evident. He encouraged others to recognise their own learning needs and embrace lifelong learning. Michael's story serves as a testament to the power of education, self-motivation, and personal growth in creating a fulfilling and successful learning journey.

https://www.learnwest.org/learningstories

Farial, a 62-year-old Iraqi woman, embarked on a remarkable learning journey when she and her family immigrated to Australia in 2000. Armed with a master's degree in engineering, Farial believed that finding suitable employment would be a straightforward task. However, the language barrier and unfamiliarity with the Australian accent proved to be significant obstacles.

Arriving in Australia through the point system, Farial and her family faced the challenge of starting anew without support assistance. They encountered financial difficulties and experienced the emotional strain of being separated from their extended family in Iraq.  Despite heart-wrenching setbacks, she remained resolute in keeping her family intact.

Driven by her commitment to her children's education and her desire to contribute to the community, Farial pursued various avenues for personal growth and professional opportunities. While working odd jobs and her husband driving taxis, she engaged in charitable work and joined community groups in Point Cook and Werribee.

Through these groups, Farial found support and valuable guidance from fellow Iraqi immigrants who understood her struggles. They aided in navigating the job market and connected her with resources, including counselling for her well-being.

Despite the hardships and emotional toll, Farial refused to succumb to failure. She took solace in the fact that her family was in a safe country where her children could pursue their education. With unwavering determination, Farial worked tirelessly, studying, and engaging in charity work to gain valuable experience. She participated in projects with Wyndham City, undertaking cleaning duties in Hoppers Crossing and along the Werribee River. Her first paid job was as a housekeeper.

After enduring numerous challenges and actively participating in community groups, Farial eventually found the desired jobs for both her and her husband. Their perseverance and unwavering hope allowed them to achieve their goals. Farial emerged as a strong figure in the community, sharing her valuable life lessons with others. She emphasises the importance of hard work, maintaining resilience, and never allowing anyone to deter one's dreams.

Farial's journey serves as an inspiration, demonstrating that life's difficulties can be overcome through determination and hard work. She encourages others to embrace the beauty of life, to remain strong, to never stop dreaming, and to never let setbacks define their future. Through her journey of resilience and triumph, Farial has become a beacon of strength in her community.  “Life is beautiful, enjoy your life, be strong, never stop dreaming."

https://www.learnwest.org/learningstories

Nurturing Friendship and Trust through Shared Learning: Hsar, Ben, and Adam X

Once upon a time, in a community bursting with diversity and dreams, three individuals - Hsar, Ben, and Adam X - embarked on a journey that showcased the power of friendship, trust, and a mutual passion for learning through gardening.

Hsar, a newcomer from a Karen migrant family, had a burning ambition to become a ranger and work amidst the beauty of nature. His dreams were nurtured during his internship at Werribee Park. The internship was part of a pathways program initiated by AMES and Parks Victoria, which at the time gave opportunity to young adults from our local refugee community, a steppingstone into a career in horticulture and Park Ranger. Assigned a mentor, Hsar felt the warmth of the buddy system, easing his transition into the New Arrivals program for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) individuals. Aspiring to become a ranger took patience, a path that stretched ahead for five years. With three years dedicated to becoming a horticulturist, Hsar went from internship to apprenticeship and eventually became a community activation ranger.

Ben's background was vastly different. From warehousing to a bottle shop, he had tasted various job flavours before a silver beet project brought him closer to the ranger team. His time working in the Mansion, working with the horticultural services ranger team on a food bank project, became a turning point. A single day spent with the rangers ignited a curiosity that led him to inquire about the diverse roles they played. The Area Chief Ranger for Werribee Park, James, carefully outlined a roadmap that involved formal training in horticulture as well as hands-on experience with members of the Ranger team. With guidance from Parks Victoria, Ben embarked on his journey to complete a Horticulture Certificate II, juggling work, study, and placements. His determination was unwavering, and he soon became an indispensable part of the team.

Adam X, another member of Parks Victoria, had a unique journey of his own. He had worked in the fast-food industry but knew deep down that he wanted something more for his future. Despite not excelling in school, he recognised that education could be the key to expanding his horizons and achieving his dreams. Adam's childhood love for plants and gardening led him to enrol in a Certificate 3 in Horticulture.

Upon completing his Horticulture Certificate, Adam set his sights on a seasonal ranger role at Werribee Park. Little did he know that this step would change his life. He not only flourished in this role but also eventually became a full-time park ranger. His passion for learning and growing was infectious, and he made it a point to share his knowledge with his teammates.

Adam's dedication extended beyond his colleagues. He mentored volunteers, peoiple living with disabilities, and workplace students from secondary schools. He believed in empowering others with the knowledge that could give them an advantage in life. At Werribee Park, his work ethic and hands-on understanding of horticulture were highly valued, and he created a strong sense of community among the staff.

Adam believed that there was no set stereotype for a career path. He knew that individuals could choose their destinies. His time at TAFE reinforced this belief, and he embraced the idea of continuous learning. If he could speak to his younger self, he would say, "Break down that mindset and give it a try. What do you have to lose?" This simple piece of advice had guided him through his remarkable journey.

While at Parks Victoria, Adam didn't just settle for his initial horticulture certificate. He continued to pursue other courses, always prioritising on-the-job learning and training. He believed that one should never stop learning, especially when working with their hands and being close to nature.

Hsar, Ben, and Adam X's journey taught them that learning never truly stops. Whether it was passing on experiences, mentoring, or simply exploring new horizons, their friendship became a way for growth.

The story of Hsar, Ben, and Adam X, is a testament to the strength of friendship and the power of learning. Through their unique pathways, they redefined community engagement, proving that passions and dreams are contagious. The tale they wove together reminds us that even during challenges, building connections and learning from each other can lead to a truly remarkable journey.

The Wednesday Craft Social group emerged two decades ago, supported by Kookaburra House (now Wyndham Park Community Centre), where members gathered informally every week for needlework and knitting teddies. Over time, their meetings shifted to various locations, such as Julia Gaillard Library and now at Tarneit Community Learning Centre.

The group's initial objective was to promote skill sharing and empower individuals through the art of knitting and craft. Participants gained confidence and acquired new skills, setting goals, and embracing challenging projects inspired by each other's accomplishments.

One group member won a quilting hamper from Spotlight store and with the help of fellow members, learnt how to craft use the items effectively.

The Craft Social group extended their efforts to various charities, donating their knitted, sewn, and crafted items. Their contributions included blankets and quilts sent to Thailand, benefiting domestic violence survivors and single mothers. They also provided blankets to babies at Werribee Hospital and fiddle mats to dementia wards. Charitable organizations like GenWest, Orange Door, Geelong Mums support group, and nursing homes received blankets, quilts, and teddies. Additionally, the group engaged in multigenerational learning by collaborating with a co-located kindergarten, where children added names, bows, and handwritten labels to the teddies.

The Groups advice to others is to slow down, communicate, and encourage participation in similar groups or projects, fostering a sense of togetherness while continually expanding skills and knowledge.