Persian Culture club organizes lunchtime event for World Refugee day
Persian Culture club organizes lunchtime event for World Refugee day World Refugee Day was on Saturday 20th June and is an opportunity to recognise the strength, resilience and courage of people who have been forced to leave their homes because of conflict, persecution or disaster.
To mark the occasion, on Thursday 24th June, about 30 students gathered at lunchtime in V3 for a special card-making event organised by the Persian Language and Culture Club. Students from across the school came to create heartfelt welcome cards for newly arrived young refugees who are beginning their lives in New Zealand. The room was filled with creativity as students designed cards with encouraging messages. The Persian Culture Club hosted this event and students served hot chocolate to everyone who came along. The finished cards will be delivered to newly arrived refugee students at the Māngere Refugee Resettlement Centre. It was great to see so many students coming along to support this initiative and see some staff that came along too. These thoughtful actions reflect one of the school's values of Respect (Whakaaute).
We hope to run this event again next year.
What is a refugee?
A refugee is a person who has been forced to leave their home country because of war, conflict, violence, persecution, or natural disasters. Refugees do not leave their homes by choice. Instead, they flee because staying in their country may put their lives and safety at risk. Many refugees leave behind their homes, jobs, schools, possessions, friends, and sometimes even family members in order to find a safer place to live.
The journey of a refugee is often very difficult and dangerous. Some refugees travel for days, months, or even years before reaching a safe country. During their journey, they may face hunger, lack of shelter, poor living conditions, and uncertainty about their future. Many live in refugee camps while waiting for permission to settle in a new country. Refugees are protected under international law because they cannot safely return to their home countries. Organizations such as the UNHCR work to provide refugees with protection, food, healthcare, education, and support. Countries around the world also help by accepting refugees and giving them opportunities to rebuild their lives.
Adjusting to life in a new country can be challenging. Refugees often need to learn a new language, understand a different culture, make new friends, and find employment. Children may need to adapt to a new school system while adults search for jobs and housing. Many refugees also experience emotional stress because they have left their homes and loved ones behind. Despite these challenges, refugees make valuable contributions to the communities where they settle. They bring new skills, cultures, traditions, and experiences that enrich society. Many refugees become successful workers, business owners, healthcare professionals, teachers, and community leaders. Their determination and resilience often inspire others.
New Zealand has a long history of helping refugees by providing them with a safe place to live and opportunities to build a better future. Communities, schools, and organizations often work together to support refugee families as they settle into their new lives.
Although refugees may face difficulties, they show great courage and strength. By treating refugees with kindness, respect, and understanding, we can help them feel welcome and support them in creating a brighter future.
By Hawa Ghaznawi and Mrs Catherine Anthony
