New Beginnings: Jack's Story of Resilience in Melbourne

Moving to a new city can be daunting, but for Jack Zhou, a native of China, Melbourne became a place of new beginnings and unexpected opportunities.

Arriving in Melbourne in 2019 without any local connections, Jack faced the challenge of settling into a new environment. His journey took an unexpected turn when, in 2020, a cycling accident left him with a serious knee injury.

‘It was a difficult time,’ he recalls. ‘Being stuck at home, I felt isolated and struggled with depression.’

Determined to break free from isolation, Jack ventured out to explore community resources.

‘I was introduced to the Kew Neighbourhood Learning Centre (KNLC) by a friend I met at the library,’ he explains. ‘I joined the English class there trying to improve my English skills and also meeting new people.’

Volunteering soon became another avenue for Jack to engage with his community.

‘I took on an administrative role at KNLC,’ he says proudly. ‘It was a way for me to give back and stay active despite my injury.’

His commitment to personal growth led him to enrol in a Learn Local course, which helped secure him a paid internship at Dulux Group.

‘It was a great experience that helped me towards my goal of finding a job,’ he notes.

Reflecting on his experience with Learn Local, Jack credits the program with providing essential support and resources.

‘The courses, like Advanced English and Transition to Employment, were very important to me,’ he explains. ‘They gave me practical skills such as resume writing and interview preparation, which helped me in my job search.’

Asked about his advice for newcomers to Melbourne, Jack is quick to recommend Learn Local.

‘Visiting the closest Learn Local centre is definitely a good choice,’ he says. ‘Whether you need to improve your language skills, get a job, or just find people to connect with, Learn Local offers a variety of options.’

Looking ahead, Jack is enthusiastic about continuing his volunteer work at KNLC while exploring opportunities in community service.

‘Learn Local has been important in my journey, providing an education and also a supportive community that made a big difference.’

As Jack continues to navigate his path in Melbourne, his story serves as an inspiring reminder that resilience, determination, and seizing opportunities can lead to a fulfilling new chapter in life.

Learn Local courses enable you to develop your skills in a wide range of areas, opening up employment and further education possibilities, and helping you to better connect with your community.

With over 200 low-or-no cost courses across the state there’s something for everyone.

For more information, visit: Learn Local sector.