Youth hub ready - but waiting  

A youth centre has opened for young refugees in Auckland’s Mt Roskill suburb - but organisers need more resources to enrich their programmes.

22/6/11
Launched by the Refugee Youth Action Network (RYAN), the centre aims to provide a wrap-around service for health and  social needs, as well as employment, career and training assistance.

“Our aim is to develop the hub into a youth centre where young people can access support in education, training and employment by having the opportunity to use computers and resources that are available,” says team member Yolande Jones.

“We want the centre to run a range of workshops, like healthy living and music, and we’re planning to have an open kitchen, recreation, computers and sports areas.”

But those facilities require equipment, so RYAN is looking for donations of everything from kitchen and office equipment to sports and music supplies.
“We would appreciate any support or equipment donations to make our project successful and turn this into a functional  centre for young people,” says Yolande. “You will be helping young people reach their full potential and being part of the wider community.”

Mt Roskill and Glen Innes have the highest densities of former refugee populations in New Zealand and they often experience disparities in health and social outcomes. Young refugees face specific issues, including difficulty in adapting to New Zealand’s culture and, because their English is often better than that of their parents, they are also expected to take on adult responsibilities such as interpreting for the family when dealing with officials.

The RYAN project, which is being supported by an ASB Community Trust grant over three years, has already turned into a highly collaborative project, not only between community organisations but between the many refugee communities in the area. Refugee Council of New Zealand Secretary Kailesh Thana says RYAN will help overcome the growing problem of youth being affected by drugs, gangs and at-risk behaviour.

To find out more, visit: www.rasnz.co.nz/Views/Community/RYAN.htm