Learning English is Thai's first step to a new career
5 May 2004
Craigieburn resident Thai Vang has been named Kangan Batman TAFE's Adult Learner of the Year. This award is presented annually to an outstanding mature-age student whose study has had a positive impact on the lives of others.
A student at the institute's Broadmeadows campus, Thai has moved through the levels of the Certificates in General Education for Adults, and is now completing the Certificate III.
After leaving war-torn Laos for Australia, Thai found factory work, but in 2002, decided to return to study to improve his English language and literacy skills.
During his studies, he has shown great commitment to learning and acted as a role model to his classmates.
Thai is also active in the Laotian community, assisting new migrants and encouraging them to follow his example and learn English.
Thai's aim is to go onto further study and become an electrician. He would also like to speak English as fluently as his five children, all of whom have strong Australian accents.
Kangan Batman TAFE has 24,000 students across its seven campuses in Broadmeadows, Moreland, Richmond, Craigieburn, Coburg, Avondale Heights and Essendon.
Each year in May, Kangan Batman TAFE conducts two graduation ceremonies at the Moonee Valley Racecourse to accommodate all of its graduates and award-winning students.
The first ceremony, at which Thai will receive his award, will be held on Friday 7 May 2004. Hume City Council is major sponsor of the ceremony, while the Broadmeadows Town Centre is supporting sponsor.
