From sewing to surfing

Pauline
‘I had no time to go to school – just working, working, working.’
It’s hard to believe but in 1976 there were less than 400 Vietnamese-born Victorians, and fewer than 1000 Australia-wide. Things have changed since then, as today there are more than 68,000 Vietnamese-born people living in Victoria.
Pauline came to Australia from Vietnam 30 years ago and entered the workforce.
‘I had no time to go to school – just working, working, working.’
Pauline worked as a seamstress for many years. When the company closed, she founded herself unemployed. This presented a crossroad for Pauline because she really wanted to try something different – to go back to learn something new.
‘I really wanted to learn the computer and get a job using the computer.’
A friend told Pauline about a Learn Local provider in her area – Duke St Community House. At Duke St Community House, Pauline has been able to improve her English language skills and learn the computer at the same time.
‘It’s very friendly here and I feel happy and good.’
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Paying off big time
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A leader in the making
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Taking that next step
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Opening new doors
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21st century learning
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New town, new start
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From daunted to dedicated
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Taking pride in his work
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A brighter future
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Young mum finds purpose
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Computer skills for life
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At work you need digital skills
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Learning and making friends
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I just fit in here
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Time for a career shift
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An opportunity for a new career
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I wasn’t super confident
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Helping more at home
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Planning an event
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Learning to be yourself
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From the factory floor
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Finding the right help
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Caring for older people
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Building new skills
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Finding fringe benefits
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Working with children
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Turning your life around
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It’s never too late
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Learning new skills
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Something for yourself
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Learning with friends
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More than gardening
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Re-igniting old ambitions
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Life changing moments
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From sewing to surfing
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Learning in a different way
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Adjusting to change
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Building confidence
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Staying up to date …
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VCAL for young mums
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Education is the promise
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Going somewhere
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An incredible journey
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A different pathway
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From there to here
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Time for reinvention
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Later life learning
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Bridges to learning
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Overcoming barriers