TAFE Armidale Adult Migrant English Program Teacher Julie Raines, left, Northern Tablelands MP and Minister responsible for TAFE NSW Adam Marshall and Gowrie Childcare NSW General Manager Clementine Buckett at the new crèche yesterday.
Tuesday, 15 May 2018
LOCAL TAFE students now have access to modern and free crèche facilities at the Armidale TAFE Campus, providing a significant boost to parents wishing to study and gain new skills, Member for Northern Tablelands and Minister responsible for TAFE NSW Adam Marshall announced today.
Mr Marshall visited Armidale TAFE yesterday and officially opened the 30-place crèche, which he said would benefit students who are enrolled in Adult Migrant Education Program (AMEP) courses at TAFE and in particular Iraqi refugees, who have recently relocated to the region as part of the Humanitarian Settlement Program.
“Thanks to support from the government, TAFE Armidale was able to complete this exciting project, where an existing building has been transformed into a wonderful new crèche facility,” Mr Marshall said.
“The new facility will assist parents to undertake a range of training options that are subsidised by the NSW Government, at TAFE NSW, while their children are being cared for.
“The most important thing is that parents can commit to their studies knowing that their children are learning and playing in a safe and well equipped environment.
“This new crèche helps removes any barriers to parents undertaking study at TAFE to further their skills and job prospects.”
Mr Marshall said the $35,000 project included the installation of a new bathroom, kitchenette and other upgrades. The room has been filled with a range of stimulating learning and play equipment for the children, while under the supervision of qualified childcare providers.
“I am delighted to see this crèche built, which will help the refugees settle into the Armidale community,” Mr Marshall said.
“Everyone wins from a project like this. The refugees are able to access a range of fee-free scholarships and subsidised training, which helps them learn important employability skills and helps their families adjust to a new way of life.
“This is in addition to the 500 hours of free written and spoken English language classes each of the new migrants receives at TAFE.”
Mr Marshall said in total 120 adult refugees and their children were expected to relocate to Armidale in stages up until July this year.
“Communities like Armidale have much to gain from resettling refugees and these new arrivals will make important social contributions to our local community,” he said.
The crèche is open four days each week and currently has eight students.