How Obaida built confidence through English communication skills

Building everyday confidence through language learning 

The Skills for Education and Employment Program, known as SEE, helps eligible people improve their language, literacy, numeracy and digital skills. These foundation skills support participation in education, employment and everyday life, from reading forms and using technology to speaking with employers, accessing services and communicating with confidence. 

Max Solutions RTO 0667 delivers the SEE Program. 

English communication skills can play an important role in independence. For people who are building confidence in spoken English, everyday tasks such as answering the phone, making appointments, asking questions or speaking in a classroom can feel overwhelming. With the right learning environment and supportive trainer, these everyday moments can become important milestones. 

For Obaida, one of those milestones was answering the phone. 

When a ringing phone felt like a barrier 

For many of us, answering the phone is second nature and an unremarkable part of daily life. 

But for Obaida, picking up the phone once meant anxiety, helplessness and relying on her son to speak on her behalf. Something as simple as a ringing phone was a daily reminder of the barriers that stood between her and full participation in everyday life. 

Obaida was born in Australia but grew up in Lebanon. When she returned to Australia in 2023, she joined the SEE Program to develop her English communication skills and build confidence in daily communication. 

Learning in a safe and inclusive classroom 

At first, Obaida was shy. Speaking aloud in a classroom and using English in front of others felt challenging. 

Her trainer, Danielle, created a safe and inclusive classroom environment where Obaida could practise, make mistakes, ask questions and grow at her own pace. This kind of supportive learning space is essential for building confidence, especially when learners are developing skills that directly affect their independence and sense of belonging. 

Over time, Obaida expanded her vocabulary and strengthened her speaking skills. Each small step helped her feel more capable in everyday situations. 

A new level of independence 

Thanks to her newly developed speaking skills and expanded vocabulary, Obaida is now confident answering phone calls. 

What once felt stressful and overwhelming has become something she can manage independently. This change represents much more than a practical communication skill. It means greater confidence, more independence and a stronger sense of control in her daily life. 

Obaida’s confidence has also grown in the classroom. She now regularly volunteers to read aloud in class, something she never imagined doing before. 

Looking toward the future 

Obaida’s long-term goal is to continue building her independence and confidence in all areas of her life. 

She dreams of one day working in a kitchen, where she can share her passion for cooking and preparing delicious Arabic cuisine. With her growing communication skills, confidence and determination, Obaida is continuing to take meaningful steps toward that future. 

Max Solutions RTO 0667’s delivery of the SEE Program shows how foundation skills can change everyday life. Thanks to the supportive training and safe learning environment provided, Obaida has moved from anxiety and reliance on others to confidence, participation and independence. 

The SEE Program is funded by the Australian Government Department of Workplace Relations and delivered by Max Solutions RTO 0667