REFUGEE families from Burma and Columbia were welcomed to Wellington on Friday. New Zealand takes in 750 refugees per year and Refugee Services New Zealand expects an intake such as this one with seven families approximately every two months.
Rachel Khual Sim of Mount Cook was a teacher in a nursery school back in Burma and came to New Zealand as a refugee in an intake a year ago. For more than 50 years, the political situation in Burma has resulted in armed conflict between the repressive ruling military regime, political opponents, and ethnic groups. There is widespread poverty in the country and over 3.5 million Burmese such as Khual Sim have been displaced.
Since coming to New Zealand, she has spent time studying English at the English Training College, where she successfully completed a one month course before moving to home tutoring. Khual Sim also gave birth to a baby boy in July, a new brother for her now 20 month old daughter, and has been caring for the children at her new home.
“I’m very pleased my children will grow up in New Zealand,” says Khaul Sim with excellent English, “It’s a peaceful place.”
She even likes the weather, though others told her it would be very cold compared to Burma, “I like the cold weather more than the hot weather.”
To the newly arrived refugees, who will be struggling with the unfamiliarity of a new country and with basic language skills, Khual Sim says, “I would encourage them to settle here. I would tell them that it is a safe, peaceful country, not like home. The government shares everything with the public.”
Refugee Services is looking for volunteers to help prepare for refugee intakes. During the pre-arrival period they train the volunteers over several weeks and gather information from the existing communities as to how best to support the new arrivals.  Refugee Services also asks volunteers to source household furniture and need donations of clothes and goods to set up the new homes. The houses are then set up, the refugees are then welcomed and closely supported while they settle in and begin studying English, going to school or working.
A refugee health, safety and wellbeing day is arranged for mid-October and a film fundraiser is currently being organised for the end of the month.
A new intake of refugees is expected in Wellington in December. Volunteers can register interest with Refugee Services by emailing Wellington@refugeeservices.org.nz.
Refugee and Communities Safety & Wellbeing Day, St Anne’s Parish Hall, Newtown, October 19, 10am-2pm.