English as an Additional Language (EAL) teacher, Bec Pell, says the college’s EAL classroom aides make such a difference.
“We could not achieve so much without Mu Soe and Tha Lan. Their support is immeasurable.”
Like Mu Soe, Tha Lan is a Multicultural Education Aide. She has been working at BSSC since 2023 and really enjoys her primary role supporting a Karen student with a disability, as well as being an interpreter in EAL classrooms, and providing extra support for any student needing it.
“I heard about the role here at BSSC through the Karen community,” Tha Lan says. “The role is very satisfying. It’s not just about academics and can be really good fun—especially the conversations with students and helping out with general advice about life.”
Born in Myanmar, Tha Lan was around 25 when the ongoing civil war forced her family to flee to Mae La refugee camp in 2005.
The family registered with the UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) and three years later came to Australia.
When Tha Lan was young, she had attended boarding school where she learnt English and gained the education that has smoothed her way in Australia.
She built on this by completing a course with Adult Multicultural Education Services (AMES) once she arrived here.
Tha Lan says life in the refugee camp was sometimes very hard, but the family managed to have good times too.
Asked what the wider cohort of BSSC students could do to make sure our Karen community feel welcomed and supported, she says she’s noticed how friendly Australian people are.
“But Karen people are naturally shy and often not confident with their English language skills.
“So, I would say to BSSC students that the best way to connect with Karen students is to take lots of time and be patient when talking with them.”
… say ‘hello’ today.
