By Cam Lucadou-Wells
It was a proud moment for some of Doveton College’s latest group of adult graduates.
Many of the 30 English as an Additional Language graduates were joined on-stage by their beaming children – many of whom are students at the college – for the certificate presentation on 28 February.
Marie Holmes, the college’s community education, employment and training co-ordinator, said the event encapsulated the holistic, whole-of-family embrace of Doveton College.
“It’s just about these women learning English and participating more in everyday life, but the kids see their mums graduate and think ‘I can do this’.
“There’s an impact on the whole family and the community.”
The grown-up learners from the five-day-a-week on-campus course build confidence and kick on in life.
For example, they no longer require interpreters at parent-teacher interviews, and many kick on to further studies such as early childhood training.
The course is run by the college in partnership with Brace Education and Training.
Other adult training includes vocational pathways, health support and disability work, kitchen and computer skills.
There’s also a Men of Doveton, sewing and crafts and parenting groups, and Monash Health services such as occupational and speech therapy and paediatric advice offered at the campus.
As Ms Holmes puts it, the college is run like a community centre.
