Refugee services resist cut backs in recession

Despite the recession, Refugee Services New Zealand will not be making any cutbacks in the resettlement of refugees.

Communications coordinator Jude Walcott says although money is getting tighter, the service will not make any compromises in helping refugees integrate into New Zealand society.

“There is definitely not as much to go around this year, particularly in donations and grants,” she says.

New Zealand is one of the top 10 countries in the world to offer settlement to refugees who would be putting their lives at risk if they returned to their native country.

There are more than 11 million refugees worldwide. Less than one percent will get the opportunity to be resettled into a country like New Zealand.

“Many will wait for over 17 years in refugee camps. They have no other place to go,” says Ms Walcott.

Talia Coffman volunteers at the refugee service and, after completing a training course, has been assigned a refugee family to help assimilate into New Zealand culture.

“After hearing about the struggle of many refugees I really wanted to make a difference.

“My role has morphed into becoming a really good friend to the family. I play lots of games with the kids and help them with their school work,” she says.

There are eight children in the family, the youngest only 18 months, who were brought from Uganda after their father left and their mother fell ill.

Ms Coffman says there are four other people assigned to the family who have all taken on different roles, from counselling to helping with shopping and finances.

“It’s truly amazing and so rewarding to make such a positive difference in their lives.”

She says the current economic crisis means they probably haven’t got as much financial support as they would in past years, but that is expected in a recession.

“They are a whole lot better off than they used to be.

“The family now has an opportunity to have a fresh start and make a good life for themselves.