This report outlines current community English language programs for adult migrants and refugees in Australia. The report analyses the views of migrant and refugee program participants of what works and what does not work. It also explores the experiences of community providers who deliver English classes to migrants and refugees daily, and often voluntary. Drawing on consultations and surveys with both providers and participants, the report offers guidance to policy makers, government and other stakeholders on how to develop successful English programs where clients’ diverse needs, backgrounds and skills are in focus. The report identifies good practice examples for consideration in future planning and discusses how community programs can overlap with or complement the Australian Government’s own funded program—the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP). It also provides recommendations for improving the capacity of community driven English programs.
SCoA was pleased to be able to collaborate with FECCA to produce this report.