Stories

Refugees arrive in Aotearoa New Zealand with a range of skills and lots of potential – one engineering company is working with New Zealand Red Cross to support people from refugee backgrounds into a career in engineering.

Ngun Kung has travelled a long way to achieve his dream of a simple, stable life. After being forced to flee his home country several years ago, he couldn’t be happier with where he wound up.

Growing up as a former refugee in Aotearoa was not always easy for Fatima Mohammad, but this quick-witted, charming young woman has never let her difficulties dampen her spirits. 

Lian’s journey from farmhand to franchisee was riddled with difficulties, but this former refugee’s determination and unwavering self-belief has never let him down.

We're celebrating former refugees who were essential workers during COVID-19 lockdowns. Meet Najmo, a caregiver, a compassionate supporter, a former refugee, a Kiwi and a COVID-19 essential worker.

We're celebrating former refugees who were essential workers during COVID-19 lockdowns. Meet Paul Kumbuka, a community support worker, an advocate, a forme refugee, a Kiwi and a COVID-19 essential worker.

We're celebrating former refugees who were essential workers during COVID-19 lockdowns. Meet Aziz Al Sa’afin, broadcaster, a storyteller, a former refugee, a Kiwi and a COVID-19 essential worker.

We're celebrating former refugees who were essential workers during COVID-19 Alert Level 3 and 4 lockdown. Meet Maria, a former refugee, a housekeeper, a mother and a COVID-19 essential worker.

It took years for Alia Al Mohamad to build her successful career in Syria, but the war took it all away. Thankfully, her passion and fortitude were left intact.

Two years ago, a young former refugee named Eyob Jambo Teshome was about to embark on the next stage of his settlement journey: attending university. This was made possible with the support of a scholarship from Beca, and now, Eyob and Beca share how it’s all going.

This month marks 10 years since the conflict started, triggering more than five million people to flee the bombs and bullets and escape across borders. Millions more have been displaced inside Syria and are still in dire need of assistance. As the war continues, hope is fading fast.

When the harbour wall extension in Dunedin required the expertise of stone masons, New Zealand Red Cross’ Pathways to Employment team saw the perfect opportunity for skilled former refugees from Syria.