Celebrations for 75 years of the Adult Migrant English Program in Australia

2023 marks 75 years of the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) being offered in Australia. Since 1948 the program has helped over 2 million migrants settle in Australia, making it Australia’s largest and longest running settlement program.

The AMEP is a free service funded by the Australian Department of Home Affairs to help eligible migrants and humanitarian entrants with low English levels to improve their English language skills and settle into Australia.

As part of the program participants who have children under school age are able to access free early childhood services. 

Navitas Skilled Futures held a celebration on 26 July 2023 at The Highline Venue in Bankstown, Sydney commemorating 75 years of AMEP and also the 25th anniversary of Navitas offering AMEP in their community.  

A number of providers involved in the AMEP program attended the event, including KU Children’s Services (KU), Settlement Services International, STARTTS, the Settlement Council of Australia and more, to celebrate the successes of the program.

One of the highlights of the event was past and current students from the AMEP sharing moving stories about overcoming challenges and reaching their goals with the support of the program.

In attendance from KU was Natalie Grenfell, General Manager Inclusion Programs, and Sabira Sukurma, Manager AMEP and Community Programs.

“It was truly heartwarming to be part of this special event commemorating 75 years of the AMEP, where we celebrated the success of countless migrants and humanitarian entrants who have embraced a new life in Australia through improved English language skills,” said Ms Sukurma.

“For over 37 years, KU has proudly supported these families with their childcare needs while they study, ensuring their young children have access to high quality learning, caring and educational environments.”

Children from KU’s AMEP services created artworks that were on display at the event, along with positive testimonials from parents, confirming the huge appreciation for KU’s educators, and recognising the strong community connections that exist between children, families and the program.

For more information about AMEP childcare services provided by KU, please see here. More information about AMEP is available here.