After arriving in Australia from Afghanistan, Mirza joined the Skills for Education and Employment (SEE) Program at Macquarie Community College’s Blacktown Campus.
Through supportive English classes, practical activities and encouragement from his teacher, he is building the language, digital and employability skills he needs for everyday life, further study and future work.
Although he is one of the youngest students in his class, Mirza has already made strong progress. His classmates know him as a kind and supportive young man who enjoys making people laugh and rarely stops smiling.
Behind that smile is a story of resilience, sacrifice and determination.
Why Did Mirza Decide to Learn English?
Mirza grew up in a small village in Afghanistan, where his father operated a business selling wood.
“My family was not rich, but we had everything we needed and we were happy there,” Mirza recalls.
That life changed when the Taliban took control of the area.
“My father could no longer work. There was nothing left for us, and we had to leave our home.”
When Mirza was 14, his family fled to Pakistan. They remained there for four years, with his father accepting any work he could find to support the family. Despite the challenges, Mirza’s parents were determined that he should continue his education. He attended a local school and completed Year 10.
While living in Pakistan, Mirza also began trying to learn English.
“My parents always told me that I had to learn English because it is a language I could use in any country,” he says. “I understood how right they were when we came to Australia.”
Learning English was difficult because there were very few resources available.
“At my school, there was only one English book and no English teacher. No one in my village could speak English, so it was almost impossible for us to learn.”
These experiences made Mirza even more determined to improve his English when his family received the opportunity to begin a new life in Australia.
How Did Mirza Find the SEE Program?
Mirza and his family arrived in Australia approximately one year ago with support from his uncle. Everything felt different.
“Life in Australia was so different from what I knew,” he says. “It felt safe, and people lived in a different way.”
Mirza first heard about Macquarie Community College through his sister, who was already studying English at the College.
“My sister went to Macquarie Community College to learn English, and she loved it,” he says. “She suggested that I apply.”
Mirza completed an online form and was contacted by the College shortly afterwards.
“The process of applying for the SEE Program was very quick and easy. I did not know English well, but the College team supported me, so it was not difficult.”
He then enrolled in an Initial English course through the SEE Program at the Blacktown Campus.
The Skills for Education and Employment (SEE) Program, funded by the Australian Government, provides support and training in language, literacy, numeracy and digital skills, giving you the skills you need to prepare for work or further study.
The SEE Program is funded by the Australian Government Department of Employment and Workplace Relations and is free to all eligible participants.
What Was Mirza’s First English Class Like?
Starting a new class in a new country can feel overwhelming, especially when you are still developing the English skills needed to introduce yourself.
Mirza clearly remembers his first day.
“The teacher asked me to introduce myself, and I felt very embarrassed because of my English,” he says.
Instead of placing pressure on him, his teacher calmly encouraged him to begin with a few simple words.
“She smiled and helped me tell everyone my name and explain where I was from. She told me I had done really well. Everyone welcomed me and clapped.”
That small moment had a lasting impact.
“It felt so good. It meant the world to me.”
Mirza says his previous experiences of education had made him fearful of teachers and worried about making mistakes.
At Macquarie Community College, he discovered a very different learning environment.
“Here, I saw how different everything could be. I felt more confident about studying, and now I love coming to class.”
What Skills Is Mirza Learning Through the SEE Program?
Mirza particularly values the practical activities used in his English classes.
“The teacher Rachel is very kind and supportive,” he says. “Every day we complete interesting activities based on real life. They help me build the skills I need in everyday situations.”
Rachel describes Mirza as “a resilient and enthusiastic student who has adapted to significant life changes after arriving in Australia as a refugee. He is confident, energetic, and enjoys interacting with his peers. Mirza brings a positive presence to the classroom and is willing to participate when engaged in activities that interest him.”
Through the SEE Program, Mirza is improving his speaking, reading and writing while also developing numeracy, digital and employability skills.
He especially enjoys interactive activities that allow students to learn together.
“I love Kahoot games and group activities where Rachel asks us to discuss different topics. I can feel my English becoming better and better.”
The supportive classroom environment has also helped Mirza form friendships and feel more comfortable communicating with others.
He also joined the 2026 Harmony Week celebration at Macquarie Community College’s Blacktown Campus, giving him another opportunity to connect with the college community.
How Is English Helping Mirza Prepare for Work and Study?
Mirza is clear about what he wants to achieve.
He hopes to continue studying, gain a recognised qualification and eventually become a mechanic or plumber. One day, he would like to operate his own business.
“I want to open a mechanical workshop or become a plumber,” he says. “First, I will learn English and improve my reading and writing. Then I want to continue studying and gain a certificate.”
His motivation comes from the sacrifices his parents made to give their children a safer future.
“My parents sacrificed a lot to bring me here, and I want to give something back to them. To do that, I need to complete my studies—and I will.”
Life in Australia has also given Mirza the freedom to explore new interests.
He enjoys swimming, singing and practising Brazilian jiu-jitsu with his cousin. He has even participated in his first competition.
“I lost,” he says with a smile. “Now I am working even harder so I can win next time.”
It is an attitude that reflects the way Mirza approaches learning: setbacks are not reasons to stop, but opportunities to become stronger.
Mirza’s Advice for Other English Learners
Mirza believes that a supportive teacher can make an enormous difference to a student’s confidence.
“When you respect and trust your teacher, they can help you so much,” he says. “When students are afraid, it is very difficult for them to learn.”
His advice to other people beginning a new life in Australia is to remain focused on what they can build next.
“You cannot change what happened before, but you can focus on your new life and make it work.”
What Is the SEE Program?
The Skills for Education and Employment (SEE) Program, funded by the Australian Government, provides support and training in language, literacy, numeracy and digital skills, giving you the skills you need to prepare for work or further study.
The SEE Program is funded by the Australian Government Department of Employment and Workplace Relations and is free to all eligible participants.
Eligibility criteria applies.
The SEE Program is designed to help all learners, whether from a non-English speaking background, as well as native English speakers, First Nations individuals, and anyone else in the community who needs support:
- Reading & Writing
- Oral Communication
- Numeracy skills
- Digital skills
- Confidence & Resilience
- Goal Setting
- Employability Skills
- Job Search skills
- Resumes & Cover Letters
- Interview Skills
- Personal & professional Presentation Skills
The SEE Program at Macquarie Community College provides a welcoming adult learning environment with supportive trainers and practical activities.