Armidale ELC & TAFE Collaboration Beyond the Classroom

Armidale Early Learning Centre has embarked on an inspiring partnership with TAFE’s Child Studies and English departments, aimed at extending support to Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) students beyond the classroom. This unique initiative has fostered a deep sense of belonging and community, particularly among the Ezidi participants, who make up the majority of the program’s students.

Engaging Activities for Language Development

Every Monday, an AMEP English teacher brings students to the Early Learning Centre, where they engage in a range of fun and interactive activities with the children. Together, they sing songs, read stories, and play games, creating a safe and supportive space for both children and adults to practice their English language skills. This collaboration provides mutual benefits, as the children enjoy the company of new friends while learning, and the adult students gain practical language experience in a meaningful, engaging way.

Discover The Adult Migrant English Program

Strengthening Cultural Understanding

With 98% of both the children and students coming from the Ezidi community, this partnership has not only supported language development but also strengthened cultural understanding. Gowrie NSW educators have embraced the opportunity to learn about the Kurdish language and culture, deepening the support they offer to families and enriching the cultural tapestry of the centre.

Lasting Impact on Students and Educators

In addition to the weekly sessions, the partnership has evolved to have a lasting impact on both students and educators. In the last semester, 12 Ezidi AMEP students advanced to the TAFE Certificate III in Child Studies course, with these students now running a playgroup at the Early Learning Centre. Under the mentorship of Gowrie educators, these aspiring professionals put their newly acquired skills into practice, gaining invaluable hands-on experience in early childhood education.

Transformative Educational Journeys

This collaboration has been transformative, not only for the students’ educational journeys but also for our educators, who are actively helping to shape the next generation of early childhood professionals. The benefits extend beyond the classroom, with a recent success story highlighting the impact of this partnership. Gowrie NSW proudly hired a graduate from the AMEP and Child Studies programs—an Ezidi student who has become a new educator at the centre. Her journey from AMEP student to a team member exemplifies the powerful community bonds being built and the opportunities that arise from this collaboration.

A Brighter Future for Early Childhood Education

This partnership between Armidale Early Learning Centre and TAFE has created a dynamic environment where education, culture, and community intersect, ensuring a brighter future for early childhood education in Armidale. Through fostering cultural understanding, supporting language development, and empowering future educators, this initiative continues to enrich the lives of both children and adults, contributing to a more inclusive and connected community.