Stories

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.

Going through adolescence can be hard enough, but when other challenges are added, such as settling in a new country, adapting to a different culture and learning another language, life can be bit tougher for our young people.

The unlikeliest of friendships are often birthed out of common ground and interest. For Jenny and Dave Pullen, becoming Red Cross refugee support volunteers was in their common interest: to make new friends, both with other volunteers and the families they work with.

Artist Hadil Catherina, inspired by her dream for peace after fleeing the war in Syria, has picked up her paintbrush to create artworks for this year’s Charity Art Auction in Dunedin.

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’.

Moises is an avid cyclist and gifted bike mechanic in Invercargill. He uses his spare time to refurbish pre-loved bikes, turning them into treasures for newly settled former refugees.

It may have taken Poe Say 25 years, but she never gave up on being reunited with her two sons. Poe’s heartbreaking story of separation with her two sons is one of courage, hope and determination.

The first family from the annual refugee quota due to settle in Blenheim has finally arrived to their new home. It has been a long time coming for the family, as well as the Blenheim community. 

Helping refugee-background young people settle in New Zealand is a key part of our work in Aotearoa. Support from Farmers Trading Company after the attacks on 15 March meant we could provide long-term and direct support to young people.