Stories

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 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 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. 

 With support from New Zealand Red Cross' Pathways to Employment programme, Zay Oo has has been able to rediscover his passion for electrical work, embarking on a apprenticeship that will see him become a qualified electrician in the next three years.

Atefeh Behnam Nejabat has an impressive resume, multiple qualifications and many years of experience working as an accountant. But the road to employment in Aotearoa was a little bumpy at first. With the help of New Zealand Red Cross Pathways to Employment team, she eventually got there.

In the middle of the night, Abdal was faced with a parent’s worst nightmare — finding their child not breathing. Luckily, Abdal knew what to do.

Tucked in behind the main street in Nelson is an unassuming concrete building. You’d never know that inside this building, chef and former refugee Alexander Garcia Gongoro is baking up something delicious. The only hint is a small black sign that reads ‘YUM’.