Student Testimonial: Yousif’s Journey from AMEP to emerging leader
In addition to learning the core skills of reading, writing, speaking, and listening, Kangan Institute collaborates with Arabic Welfare. Every week, a facilitator co-delivers lessons with class teachers, Maria Martikas and Karen McAllion, covering topics such as employment, Australian workplace culture, goal setting, pathways, and volunteering.
At the end of each semester, Arabic Welfare also organises a campus tour of RMIT in the city, where students learn about available courses, prerequisites, and have the opportunity to ask questions. The teachers of the Level 3 Youth class focus on guiding students with their further study options and employment preparation after completing their Certificate III in CSWE.
Yousif, a dedicated student, greatly benefitted from the AMEP program. He regularly attended classes, completed all tasks, and supported his peers, demonstrating a willingness to try new activities and embrace suggestions made by his teachers, including becoming involved in the community. Yousif actively participated in every aspect of the course, which helped him build his confidence in speaking with others and establishing meaningful connections.
His teacher, Maria, observed, "Yousif has taken on a leadership role and advocates for those around him, becoming a role model for students young and old. He consistently offers assistance to classmates, acts as an interpreter when needed, and serves as a mentor to students who find settlement stressful. Yousif has also been volunteering with the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons to help build a better understanding between young patients and surgeons. Recently, he received recognition for his work with the Royal Children’s Hospital and the Royal Melbourne Hospital. His positive attitude and commitment to learning have allowed him to make a significant contribution to his new homeland."
Due to Yousif's outstanding volunteer efforts, Maria nominated him for the 2024 Emerging Young Leaders Award in Hume, which he successfully received. When asked why he was nominated for the award, Yousif explained, "I was nominated because of my volunteering at the Royal Children's Hospital, where I help train new doctors in working with young patients. I try my best to ensure that Australia will have great doctors in the future who are familiar with dealing with children."
Reflecting on leadership, Yousif said, "To me, leadership means having the responsibility to be a good role model for my friends and classmates so that we can all work together for a better future."
After completing one semester in AMEP and earning his Certificate III in CSWE, Yousif enrolled in the Certificate III in Travel at William Angliss Institute, with the goal of becoming a travel agent. "I want to promote our national destinations to people, showing them how much our country has to offer and the many beautiful places we have."
