Former refugees and migrants value volunteering

Former refugees and migrants have a better understand volunteering in New Zealand, and their rights and responsibilities, following a recent Volunteering New Zealand presentation.

About 60 people from over 25 different ethnic backgrounds came to the webinar organised by HOST International Aotearoa New Zealand.

“For HOST, the aim was for participants to leave the workshop feeling more informed and empowered, with increased understanding of volunteering in Aotearoa New Zealand, greater confidence in finding volunteering opportunities, and, most importantly, clearer knowledge of their rights and responsibilities as volunteers,” says HOST Chief Executive Birgit Grafarend-Watungwa.

Volunteering strengthens belonging

Participants left with increased confidence in finding and participating in volunteering opportunities. Many value volunteering as way to build relationships, connect with others and strengthen their sense of belonging.

“They now have the knowledge to contribute more effectively, safely, and confidently within volunteer roles and community organisations,” says Birgit.

She says there is more work to be done to increase opportunities for former refugee and migrant volunteer pathways, and for further training for those working with ethnically diverse volunteers and potential volunteers.

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For more information, see our National Strategy to Support Volunteering for Recent Migrants