Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More

World Video | Defence | Foreign Affairs | Natural Events | Trade | NZ in World News | NZ National News Video | NZ Regional News | Search

 

UN Says Refugee Programmes in Wellington are Key to Success

UN Says Refugee Programmes in Wellington are Key to Success

On Wednesday, 25 May, Multicultural Learning and Support Services (MCLaSS) celebrated 21 years of providing support to Greater Wellington’s refugee and migrant communities with special guest Mr Thomas Albrecht, United Nations High Commission for Refugees Regional Representative.

“The success of refugee integration in New Zealand depends critically upon the work of settlement organisations like MCLaSS,” said Mr Albrecht in his address at the celebration.

“Teaching of English as a second language, assisting transitions into employment and providing a supportive environment to families are among the most fundamental building blocks refugees need to begin a new life.”

For more than two decades MCLaSS has provided a suite of services to support refugees and migrants to start new lives in the Greater Wellington area.

General Manager Molly Kennedy attributes the organisation’s success to its adaptability and responsiveness.

“Our work is and has always been community-driven. When we learn about a need, we aim to develop a service that addresses it,” she says.

One example of this responsiveness came earlier this year when the Wellington area became home for a new intake of refugees from Syria.

“We created a new class specifically to support the needs of many of the new arrivals,” says Ms Kennedy.

“We also welcomed Syrian learners into some of our other courses, like our Empowering Families English class, which works with mothers of young children.”

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

For Mr Albrecht, MCLaSS’ milestone was about more than just the organisation’s work over the years. It was also about honouring the contribution people from refugee backgrounds make to the community.

“The efforts of MCLaSS over more than 20 years… are key to the care and settlement of asylum-seekers and refugees, who have in turn given so much back to New Zealand,” said Mr Albrecht.

Shmshon Al Mekhaeel, an MCLaSS client originally from Iraq, also spoke at the celebration, sharing the story of his journey to New Zealand and the positive impact MCLaSS has had on his life.

“MCLaSS has supported me so much with my education,” he said. “English has helped me get a job, make more friends, talk to Kiwis.”

“We know how much potential refugees and migrants bring to this country,” adds Ms Kennedy.

“It’s been an honour to work with thousands of people like Shmshon over the last 21 years. We’re looking forward to the next 21!”

ENDS

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
World Headlines

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.