Seventy years ago, New Zealand said yes. Yes, we will give you safety. Yes, we will give you protection. And today, we still say yes.



 
 
30 October 2014 the Polish community re-enacted the journey of the first Polish refugees to New Zealand, 733 children, 70 years ago. 

We are honored to be part of their journey and celebrations. Here’s what Molly, Red Cross refugee services manager, had to say from Pahiatua: 

“Seventy years ago, New Zealand said yes. Yes, we will give you safety. Yes, we will give you protection. And today, we still say yes.”
 

Polish refugee children on the train from Wellington to Pahiatua, where they were resettled in 1944.
Red Cross refugee Services are really proud to have been there then and that are still supporting refugee children and their families today.
 
Computers in Homes is also proud to be part of the resettlement process.
 
 

Palmerston North CiH Refugee

Twelve excited families from refugee background and their friends gathered at Freyberg High School on Saturday 8 November for the latest graduation of Computers in Homes.
We were welcomed by Freyberg ICT trainer Val Revill, followed by congratulations from Di Daniels National Coordinator Computers in Homes.
Then families had a tech talk from Dave Clark who will be installing the computers and internet in their homes. All this was translated by our very capable interpreters Asadullah and Poh.
Certificates were presented by Ministry of Education’s Abdi Bihi and proceedings were closed by Freyberg International Student Coordinator Florence Kelly. The children were happy when the speeches were over and we could share morning tea.

One of the Mums from last year’s graduation was saying how she had forgotten some of her learning and needs more training, so Di referred her to  our free Stepping UP classes at Palmerston North Library in George St. These are managed by Palmerston North City Council (PNCC) and are free to all. No need to enrol on a long course, just pick and mix classes as you like, but bookings are essential and details can be found at:.
 
All the best to the graduating parents and we wish the children joyful learning and success in their studies!
 
 
 
 
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