18
Strategic Partnership
Former refugees in the Waikato region now have
access to ongoing support in finding and retaining
sustainable employment, through the innovative
New Zealand Red Cross Pathways to Employment
programme.
Every year, New Zealand welcomes many refugees
who re-settle here under the United Nations refugee
quota programme. Refugees come from a variety of
countries including Colombia, Myanmar, Eritrea,
Afghanistan, Congo and Somalia.
Employment is recognised as one of the most
important factors in determining whether
resettlement is successful, yet most refugees face
multiple barriers in finding and retaining
meaningful work.
Limited English, lack of New Zealand work
experience, cultural unfamiliarity on both sides,
and obtaining documents for validation of overseas
qualifications are just some of these barriers. Many
former refugees have also had traumatic experiences
before and during their resettlement, with ongoing
effects.
New Zealand Red Cross’ new Pathways to
Employment programme aims to address and
overcome the factors that hinder former refugees from
finding suitable employment.
With Trust Waikato’s support, New Zealand Red Cross
developed and trialled the programme in the Waikato
region during 2012 and 2013. The programme was
ready to launch in December 2013.
Trust Waikato has entered into a strategic partnership
with New Zealand Red Cross to support the next stage
of the programme’s development.
$75,000
TRUST WAIKATO DONATION 2013
New Zealand Red Cross:
forging meaningful
pathways to employment
REFUGEES’ HOME
COUNTRIES INCLUDE
COLOMBIA, AFGHANISTAN,
SOMALIA AND MORE!
DEVELOPED
CAREER
PATHWAYS
Customer service role play at the Colombian women’s
retail workshop
For the next three years, the focus will be on building
former refugees’ career management skills, creating
short and long term connections with local employers,
building the capacity of New Zealand Red Cross staff
and volunteers to help former refugees with their
career aspirations, and managing and evaluating the
programme so that it can continue into the future.
Specific strategies will include intensive language
education, occupational, trade and workforce literacy
and experience, work preparedness assessments and
skills development, and relationship building with
ESOL and training providers.
Rachel O’Connor, Waikato/Bay of Plenty
humanitarian services manager for Red Cross, says,
“The employment programme has the potential to
make a considerable difference to the lives of former
refugees in the Waikato region. The benefits will be
felt not only by the individuals involved, but also by
their local communities and the region as a whole.”
