Profile - A joy to teach, a great place to learn
Since the Adult Migrant English Programme (AMEP) was first established in 1948, it has helped many thousands of migrants and refugees learn the language and settle in Australia.
Every day, in hundreds of classrooms across Australia, new arrivals eagerly open their books and settle down to the serious business of learning to understand, speak, read and write English.
In 2006-07, the AMEP budget was $155.8 million and more than 50 000 people participated in one or more AMEP modes of English language tuition across all of Australia's states and territories.
The English classes are designed to provide basic language skills to help deal with everyday situations such as paying bills, seeking medical treatment, catching a bus and writing a letter. Clients also learn about Australian society, culture and customs.
The programme is thriving in the Northern Territory with classes at Palmerston, Humpty Doo, Katherine, Alice Springs and at Casuarina and Malak in Darwin.
And - as with most AMEP courses - Charles Darwin University, one of the places where the classes are held, rang with laughter as dozens of people from all over the world embraced the chance to improve their lives.
But the department in the NT recognises that even with this newcomer enthusiasm, keeping students in the classroom is a challenge.
'A combination of big distances, student eagerness to work and their need to manage family obligations, means that AMEP and the department have to be flexible and resourceful to ensure all students can continue to learn English and make their contribution to the wider Northern Territory community,' NT Deputy Director Phil McAuliffe said.
Refugee and humanitarian entrants under the age of 25 with low levels of schooling may be eligible for up to 910 hours of English language tuition, while those over 25 may be eligible for up to 610 hours of tuition. Other migrants may be eligible for up to 510 hours of tuition.