For Abdi Gedi, the Certificate I in Clothing Production at Charles Darwin University (CDU) has given him the opportunity to improve his English while perfecting tailor making skills already learnt in his home country.
Before he became a refugee, Abdi was a self-taught tailor for 17 years in Mogadishu. He operated his own small business with four machines and two employees where he sewed clothing for men and women, as well as upholstery.
Abdi is currently studying English at the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP). His Certificate I in Clothing Production was a joint venture between CDU’s fashion studies and the AMEP and was the result of a successful Department of Employment, Education and Training (DEET NT) tender.
Abdi, who came to Darwin with his seven children a year ago, said the course was a great opportunity to learn new skills and build on those he already had.
‘The sewing course has been fantastic because I had a sewing teacher and an English teacher to help me. When I made a mistake, the teachers showed me and I know many things now.’
One day, Abdi would like to have his own business here; when he knows more about business in Australia. He is also considering undertaking Certificate II in Clothing Production, but at the moment his mind is on the arrival of his wife and three more of his children in Darwin next week.
Other students in Abdi’s class have originated from many different countries, including Somalia, Indonesia, Cambodia, East Timor, Liberia and Vietnam.
The Adult Migrant English Program provides English language services throughout the Territory.
For more information about AMEP go to: http://www.cdu.edu.au/ehs/caesl/amep.htm.