Juana, student, in our Certificate III in English as an Additional Language (EAL), Werribee.
In 1987, Juana, just 18 years old, left her home in the Canary Islands, Spain, and moved to Australia, compelled by her mother to marry a man she had met at 15. This was not the life Juana chose for herself. For the next 20 years, she endured severe domestic violence and extreme isolation, forbidden from learning English, making friends, or even leaving her home except to interact with her husband’s family. Raising three children under these conditions, Juana’s life was marked by profound loneliness, anxiety, and depression.
But Juana’s story is one of remarkable courage and resilience. After escaping from her husband with the help of a concerned neighbour, Juana took refuge in a women’s shelter before returning to Spain with her young children. Although her husband was jailed for his abusive behavior, Juana’s battle was far from over. He falsely accused her of kidnapping their children and gained full custody, leaving Juana devastated and separated from her children.
Despite these challenges, Juana found a renewed sense of purpose when she became a mother again to her daughter Julie, now 14 years old. Determined to give Julie everything she herself had been denied, Juana realised that education was the key to their future. Having left school at 14, she knew she needed to improve her English skills to support her daughter fully.
Juana enrolled in a Certificate III in English as an Additional Language, a decision that has transformed her life. Learning English has not only improved her ability to communicate but has also given her theÂ
independence she had long been denied. Juana is now able to engage with Julie’s school, navigate everyday tasks, and connect with her community in ways
she never could before.
Her confidence grows daily as she interacts with her fellow students and teachers. Juana particularly enjoys learning to use a computer, a skill that has opened up new possibilities for communication and connection. For Juana, studying English is about more than just language; it’s about reclaiming her life and creating a better future for her daughter.
Juana’s dream is to work in customer service, where she can be around people and continue to build the social connections that were once denied to her. Through her studies, she is not only overcoming the loneliness that has marked much of her life but also setting an inspiring example for Julie. Juana’s journey is a powerful reminder of the transformative power of education and the unbreakable bond between a mother and her child.
With every lesson in Certificate III in English as an Additional Language (EAL), Juana moves closer to the life she has always deserved—one filled with hope, connection, and the opportunity to thrive.
