School's in for Parliamentary Secretary
Monday, 3 March 2008
Parliamentary Secretary for Multicultural Affairs and Settlement Services today 'attended school' in Brisbane during a visit to an Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) class.
Mr Ferguson visited two AMEP classes at the Southbank Institute of Technology and spent time observing classes and speaking to students.
His visit follows the recent release of survey results which pointed to a generally high level of satisfaction with the program's content and delivery, and students reporting their classes were enjoyable, and improved their confidence to learn English.
'I was pleased with the survey results showing that most students are happy with the structure and facilities of the AMEP, and it was great to see that in practice today,' Mr Ferguson said.
'Learning English is an important part of settling in to life in Australia.'
The survey found that 87 per cent of classroom students and 90 per cent of home tutor students found classes enjoyable and that their teacher was interested in helping them.
A review of the AMEP program, which will take into account the survey results together with other input, including community consultations has recently started.
'This has been an excellent opportunity for me to see AMEP classes in action just as a review of the program has begun,' Mr Ferguson said.
'The recommendations from the review will build an AMEP that delivers stronger outcomes for course participants.'
The AMEP celebrates its 60th anniversary this year.
Media contact: Khaldoun Hajaj - 0404 078 692
URL: http://www.minister.immi.gov.au
/parlsec/media/media-releases/2008/lf08008.htm
Last update: 13 August 2008 at 17:14 AEST