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    Media release

    TAFE NSW Lidcombe | 19 June 2025

    A group of three students are sitting at a table, engaged in conversation as they work on a laptop together.

    Refugee builds future through English

    "Learning to navigate life with a visual impairment has been challenging, but I believe if we try our best, nothing is impossible."

    Samira Haidary

    A young woman who fled to Australia from conflict in Afghanistan is building a new future for herself, starting with studying English at TAFE NSW. Samira Haidary migrated in April 2024 and lives with disability, having partial vision in only one eye.

    The 2025 theme for Refugee Week, which runs 15–21 June, is ‘Finding Freedom: Diversity in Community’. Samira’s journey is a true example of this.

    She left Afghanistan to seek treatment for her eyesight in India; but conflict in her home country meant she couldn’t return. After three years in Delhi, Samira migrated to Australia on a humanitarian visa through the United Nations. Here, she makes use of a screen reader to support her reading and writing.

    “When I got my visa, I couldn’t believe it – I don’t have the words to express that feeling. Australia gave me a new life,” she said. “Life in India was difficult. I lost my eyesight there, and every day presented challenges. But here in Australia, I’ve started a new chapter. With mobility training, I can now travel independently. This country has given me a fresh start.”

    Samira Haidary is sitting at a desk in an empty classroom. She has long black hair and is wearing a white long sleeved top and glasses.

    Samira had never had formal English training, but is now thriving at TAFE NSW Lidcombe in the Certificate III in English as an Additional Language course after progressing from the Certificate II. The courses are offered as part of the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP), funded by the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs.

    “I first learned English in India by listening to YouTube videos; coming to Australia pushed me to speak more often. Studying at TAFE NSW, my writing and speaking has improved so much. With my teachers’ support, I’ve learned how to read and write using a screen reader, and that has made all the difference.”

    “I still make mistakes, but I learn from them. Every day, I grow more confident in my English skills, and that’s thanks to the supportive environment at TAFE NSW.” Samira hopes to progress her studies, with her long-term goal to study medicine and become a psychiatrist. She encourages other refugees and migrants to explore avenues to grow their skills like she has.

    “Learning to navigate life with a visual impairment has been challenging, but I believe if we try our best, nothing is impossible,” she said.

    AMEP contract manager at TAFE NSW, Mandy Nour, said Samira’s journey is testament to the power of resilience and inclusive education. “Many of our AMEP students have followed similar paths to Samira and arrived in Australia as refugees and with limited English skills. Through the AMEP, we provide our students with the opportunity to grow tremendously in confidence,” Mandy said. “We are proud to provide a welcoming and accessible environment where students from all backgrounds can thrive and achieve their goals.”

    Samira said, “I do my best every day. I want to help people in the best way I can. TAFE NSW has been a place where I’ve developed my skills and confidence. It’s a supportive learning environment, and I encourage other refugees to study here. It’s been truly valuable for me, and I know it can be for others too.”

    Find out more about English language courses by visiting http://www.tafensw.edu.au.

    Media contact: Rob Virtue, TAFE NSW Communications Specialist, 02 7920 5000.


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