About 60 Yazidis students have completed their English certificate studies at Armidale TAFE, in a program that is being hailed a success by the NSW Government.
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The students from two classes were awarded English Studies Certificate I in a brief ceremony and morning tea conducted at the Armidale TAFE Campus on Tuesday morning.
Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall said he would defy anybody to meet the Yazidis in an environment such as the TAFE and not feel strong empathy.
"A lot of the people, regardless of age have not set foot in the classroom or a school until they arrived in Armidale," he said.
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"It is an incredibly tough challenge for them to learn English, but they're all working incredibly hard. Some have amazing conversational English after only 12 months, so this is a real success.
"I have really been looking forward to today. I just love the Yazidis people, they are just so kind and and so happy to be here."
The students represented only a portion of the more than 220 students enrolled in the course.
Armidale TAFE spokesman Heath Rogers said the students had done well in their studies.
"These classes have always been here, the AMEP, or the Adult Motor and English Program, has been run here for a number of years," Mr Rogers said
"The increase in the different refugee settlement groups that are coming has increased our class numbers.
The course comprises three levels of study and TAFE is expecting another 150 students before June.
"And there will be another presentation ceremony later this year with the next wave of students as they complete their proficiency," Mr Marshall said.