Posted December 2019
A new childcare centre for migrant and refugee families in the Hunter Region has opened in Mayfield in Newcastle.
KU Mayfield AMEP Child Care Centre provides childcare to migrants and refugee families who are studying English through the Australian Government’s Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP).
Whilst their parents are learning English language and settlement skills at the MAX Solutions college during the day, young children are playing, discovering and learning in the same building.
The centre officially opened last week, with children, families and staff attending the celebrations, along with special guests from Navitas English, MAX Solutions, KU Children’s Services and other community services.
“We are very excited to have officially opened KU Mayfield AMEP. We are proud to be able to offer this important service exclusively to migrant and refugee families in the Hunter community,” said KU AMEP and Community Programs Manager, Sabira Sukurma.
“Up to 20 children per day attend the centre which has five bilingual early childhood trained educators. Our great educators ensure each day that all children settle well, learn through play-based activities and grow happily in their new home country of Australia.”
The centre has already made a positive impression on families. Fatima, whose daughter Arwa attends the centre, has seen her daughter learn, develop and settle in after the family recently moved from Egypt to Australia.
“I love the service at KU Mayfield AMEP. All the staff are friendly, and they make sure our daughter Arwa is safe and happy. We’re so blessed to see the happiness in our daughter,” said Fatima.
KU has provided childcare services under the AMEP in the Hunter region since 2017 and has supported 236 children and 182 parents as they learn English at MAX Solutions colleges in Newcastle, Charlestown, Maitland and Mayfield.
For more information about KU Children’s Services and the Adult Migrant English Program visit https://www.ku.com.au/childcare/about/amep