Qudsia’s journey with SMRC has been one of newfound independence. When she first arrived in Australia, she faced many challenges, especially due to her lack of formal education having not attended school.

Despite this, she held onto her desire to learn English and connect with her new surroundings. “I wanted to learn English so that I could have the courage to sit down with people and understand currently what’s happening in Australia.”

SMRC’s welcoming environment and supportive staff played a pivotal role in her success. “The approach of the teachers and the environment was very good, and I really enjoyed it. I held on firmly here and succeeded in ways I hadn’t before,” she says with pride. Qudsia’s determination paid off, and she soon found herself making progress that allowed her to feel more independent. “Now I can go out shopping, go to the market. I can buy my own things.”

Despite facing discouragement from others, Qudsia persevered. “Whenever I asked to be taken somewhere to study, they would say, ‘You can’t do it; you can’t at this age.’ Eventually, I found it myself and enrolled in a course.” Her progress at SMRC didn’t stop with learning English; she also took up sewing and computer skills. “I’ve solved my own problems and learned a lot.”

For Qudsia, SMRC has been more than a place of learning—it has given her a sense of accomplishment and pride. “I take pride in how far I’ve come, and that alone makes me proud.”