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.”
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