From uncertainty to possibility

When Ayman arrived in Palmerston North in June 2024, he carried a mix of hope and uncertainty. After spending his childhood in a refugee camp in Bangladesh, Aotearoa New Zealand offered a safe place with opportunities – yet everything was unfamiliar. The language, education system and even the rhythm of daily life were all new. The path ahead felt both exciting and uncertain.

“I was excited, but also nervous,” Ayman says. “I did not know what my next life would look like.”

Ayman’s experience reflects that of many young people from refugee backgrounds arriving in Aotearoa New Zealand. They bring resilience and determination, yet often face real barriers as they settle into a new country. Navigating education, work, and community life at the same time can feel overwhelming.

Walking alongside former refugee youth 

New Zealand Red Cross Settlement Youth Workers support former refugee youth during this critical transition. They help young people understand how systems work, explore education and employment pathways, and build confidence to make decisions about their future.

For Ayman, his connection with a Settlement Youth Worker began through support provided to his younger brother. While Ayman was not formally assigned a youth worker, informal conversations and shared spaces such as youth leadership programmes made a meaningful difference.

“When you are new, every piece of information helps,” Ayman says. “The youth worker understands the system here. They can guide you like a friend.”

This relationship-based approach is central to the Youth Settlement Programme. Settlement Youth Workers build trust, create culturally safe spaces, and help young people feel supported as they find their place in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Supporting confidence and leadership

Ayman Salam

Education has always been important to Ayman, even though his schooling was repeatedly disrupted while growing up as a refugee. Since arriving in New Zealand, he has completed English language study and is now studying for a Bachelor of Social Work at Massey University. 
 
Alongside his studies, Ayman volunteers with New Zealand Red Cross, supports newly arrived Rohingya families, and helps rebuild community organisations. He also takes part in youth leadership programmes and uses his skills as an artist and poet to strengthen cultural connections within his community. 
 
His journey shows what becomes possible when former refugee youth receive the right support early. With guidance and encouragement, young people are able not only to settle, but also to contribute positively and give back.

Why Settlement Youth Workers matter

Former refugee youth often face challenges around education, work, and belonging. Settlement Youth Workers help reduce these barriers by offering practical guidance, trusted relationships, and consistent support at a crucial stage of life. As Rebecca Roberts, Manager at Simplicity Foundation, explains: 
 
“We understand that rangatahi who are former refugees often face real barriers as they settle into life in Aotearoa, particularly around education, work and belonging. Supporting them fits squarely with our commitment to helping young people most at risk of exclusion to build sustainable futures.” 
 
This support is long-term and preventative. It helps young people stay engaged in education or employment, build confidence, and feel a genuine sense of belonging in their communities.

A partnership grounded in trust

Ayman Salam

The Settlement Youth Programme is made possible through the generous support of Simplicity Foundation. Their funding enables New Zealand Red Cross to deliver youth-focused settlement support across communities.

“For us, partnership is about building trust, having shared values and backing organisations that are well connected to the communities they serve,” says Rebecca. “We look for partners who have a strong history of programme delivery and can make a difference at scale.”

New Zealand Red Cross’s experience in refugee settlement was a key factor in the Foundation’s decision to invest in the programme.

“What was really key to us was that the Youth Settlement Programme is delivered by people with lived refugee experience,” Rebecca says. “That helps build trust and cultural safety and gives us confidence that the support provided is both credible and effective.”

Looking ahead with confidence

Simplicity Foundation sees its support as an investment in potential. 
 
“The resilience and determination of former refugee young people is incredibly hopeful,” says Rebecca. “When they’re supported to navigate systems and access opportunities, they’re able to engage strongly in education, work and community life. Their contribution strengthens our communities and our future.”

For Ayman, that future is already taking shape. His advice to other young people arriving in New Zealand is simple.

“Do not be afraid to ask. Try new things. If you stay silent, it affects your confidence and your wellbeing.”

With the support of Settlement Youth Workers and the commitment of partners like Simplicity Foundation, former refugee youth across Aotearoa are building confidence, finding belonging, and shaping futures full of possibility.  

More information

Our Settlement Youth Workers support young people from refugee backgrounds in Palmerston North, Nelson, Wellington, Dunedin, and Invercargill to build connections and work towards their goals.

Learn more about our work with refugees.

Help for refugees

Header Image: Ayman Salam standing in front of a New Zealand National Refugee Youth Council backdrop. Image: supplied.